Ghana’s Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, said he did not regret his team’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Stars lost 8-9 on penalties to the Ivorians after a barren draw in 120 minutes.
Gyan, who was replaced just before the shootout with Emmanuel Badu, told a post-match press conference in Bata that he had to support his colleagues from the bench during the gruelling penalties.
He said, “being outside, I had to support my colleagues. We were leading 2-0 and Cote d’Ivoire came back and they won. We had an edge to win but that’s football.
“I don’t regret our performance. Cote d’Ivoire has lost twice on penalties, 2006 and 2012, and this was their third time and they won it.
“I am sad at the moment; we lost today but it is not over yet.”
He said his side was hoping to make history by winning the cup, but regretted that it did not happen.
Gyan added that he did not watch the 1992 final between the Stars and the Ivorians, who also won the encounter on penalties.
His coach, Avram Grant, showered praises on his team in spite of the loss, saying, “I am so proud of my team.
Grant said, “They always make me happy; to reach the final is a big achievement. The players have shown a lot of good things at this tournament.
“We were the better side against a team that has some of the best players around.
“It was down to penalties and the opponent scored one more than us. Every Ghanaian can be proud of this team.”
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