Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has expressed his dissatisfaction with a pivotal decision made by coach Milovan Rajevac during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Egypt.
Gyan, a standout player for Ghana throughout the tournament, voiced his frustration over being substituted off just two minutes after Egypt scored, leaving him baffled by the coach’s choice.
Speaking to Captain Smart on Onua Maakye, Gyan described it as one of the most bewildering decisions of his career.
“I was pained because I predicted I would score. But when [the Egyptians] scored and were celebrating, I saw the No. 3 on the substitution board. It is one of the weirdest substitutions I have seen in my entire career,” Gyan stated.
Asamoah Gyan reveals how surprised he was when he was subbed off during the 2010 AFCON final#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/WyHi608va5
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Ghana, aiming to clinch their first AFCON title since 1982, ultimately fell short against Egypt, losing the final 1-0. Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ scored in the 85th minute putting the record holders in pole position to win the trophy and secure it for the third consecutive time following their previous triumphs in 2006 and 2008.
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Gyan’s disappointment was palpable, especially considering his instrumental role in leading Ghana to the final with three crucial goals earlier in the tournament.
He scored Ghana’s consolation against Ivory Coast before scoring the only goals in Ghana’s quarter-finals and semifinals against Angola, the host nation as well as Nigeria respectively.
Despite the setback in the final, Gyan’s legacy with the Black Stars remains impressive, with 51 goals scored in 109 matches before his official retirement in June 2023.
He went on to score in nine consecutive tournaments, a record only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo.
He also holds the record as the highest-scoring African at the World Cup having scored six goals across three tournaments.
Gyan retired in June 2023 after a storied career which included impressive stints with clubs in Europe and Asia.