Ayew Opens Up After Penalty Miss And Ghana World Cup Exit

Ghana captain Andre Ayew says he’s very disappointed with how they exited the 2022 FIFA World Cup after missing a penalty in the 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.

In what was billed as the match to seek redemption from the 2010 exit in South Africa, where Luis Suarez took a red card by saving the ball with his hand – before Asamoah Gyan missed a last-minute penalty and the Black Stars fell at the resulting shoot-out it was a blockbuster fixture.

Suarez said in the build-up to the game he has no reason to apologise as he didn’t miss the penalty and the legendary forward took center stage as captain in the starting eleven and provided two assists after Ayew missed a penalty minutes prior to Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s brace.

It was a remarkable turn of events given Ghana needed a single point to qualify for the knockout stage but South Korea’s injury-time winner over Portugal offered some respite as the South Americans were sent crashing out the tournament alongside the West Africans.

“Very disappointed, I’m very disappointed in the result, we had the opportunity to get to the next stage and I missed a penalty,” Ayew told 3Sports in the mixed zone.

“It’s difficult to take. The game was played and won on details and we did not get it right, I did not get it right but I’m very optimistic for the future.

“God gives his most difficult battles to those who can fight it and those who can get back up, so I’m sad. But I’m boiling to make sure we make sure that we make it better.”

The 32-year-old has represented Ghana a record 111 times, scoring 24 goals and registering eight assists since making his debut as 17-year-old back in 2007.