4 crucial penalties that Asamoah Gyan has missed

The B striker decided never to take penalties for the Black Stars after being made the subject of criticisms following Ghana’s failed attempt to lift the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial-Guinea Gabon.

In an interview with the BBC in 2013, he explained that “I have decided not to take a penalty for the national team. I said some months back that I wouldn't take another penalty. Before my Mum died [in November] she told me not to take penalties anymore."

Therefore his decision to return to penalty-taking duties took many Ghanaians by surprise, and made him more of an object of scrutiny following his miss against the USA.

But like him or loathe him, Gyan is one of the greatest strikers to ever emerge from Ghana. His record of 51 international goals makes him Ghana’s all-time top-scorer – needless to say he is already commanding legendary status.

However, his potency upfront has sometimes deserted him in some important matches of the Black Stars, especially from the spot kick. Gyan has been responsible for some high-profile penalty misses during his time with the Black Stars.

Pulse Sports has compiled four of the most crucial penalty misses by Asamoah Gyan.

Ghana vs Czech Republic – World Cup 2006

Gyan’s first major penalty miss came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The West African nation was making her debut appearance at the Mundial, and the Black Stars were on a mission for redemption against Czech Republic, following a loss to Italy in their opening group game.

Interestingly, Gyan opened the scoring in that game after just a minute of play, however, he later squandered a chance to double the lead after missing a penalty, hitting the ball over the post.

The Black Stars, though, emerged 2-0 victors, with Sulley Muntari adding the second goal late on.

Ghana vs Uruguay – World Cup 2010

Perhaps the most important penalty in the history of Ghana, as well as in Gyan’s personal career; the West Africans were just a spot kick away from becoming the first nation from the continent to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Luis Suarez had handled Dominic Adiyiah’s goal-bound header in the last minute of regulation time, however, Gyan stepped up and hit his kick against the crossbar. It broke many Ghanaian and African hearts, especially as the World Cup was being hosted in South Africa.

Ghana vs Zambia – AFCON 2012 Semi Final

The Black Stars were tipped by many to make the finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, and after pairing Zambia in the semis, it was supposed to be a walk in the path.

Eight-minutes into the game and Ghana was already in cruise control, gaining a penalty after Kwadwo Asamoah was fouled in the Zambia box. But it became déjà vu for Gyan, as the striker’s spot kick was comfortably saved by Kennedy Mweene.

The Chipolopolo went on to defeat the Black Stars, with Emmanuel Mayuka striking the killer blow for the Zambians in the 78th minute.

Ghana vs USA – International friendly

Gyan’s penalty miss against the USA in last Saturday’s friendly shouldn’t come as a big deal, considering the fact that it was just an exhibition game. But it became big news because he had made a vow never to take penalties in a Black Stars jersey.

With Ghana trailing 1-0 to the Yankees, Raphael Dwamena handed Kwesi Appiah’s charges a lifeline towards the end of the first half after being fouled in the USA penalty box.

To the surprise of many Ghanaians, Gyan – against all odds – decided to return to penalty-taking duties. Unfortunately, though, his kick was saved by USA goalie Tim Howard.

Gyan went on to score a marvellous free-kick, but it only qualified as a consolation as the Black Stars eventually lost 2-1.

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It would be worthy to note that despite the above penalty misses, Gyan’s mental toughness has never been in doubt. The Black Stars striker has consistently bounced back from setbacks and that is as a result of the tough skin that he is made of.

In a recent interview, Gyan revealed that it was his mental toughness that prompted Steve Bruce to sign him to Sunderland.