Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has said that he does not regret their performance despite losing to Cote d’Ivoire on penalties.
After 120 minutes, the Black Stars surrendered a 2-0 lead during penalties before losing out painfully 9-8 following a turnaround by the Ivorians.
Gyan who was subbed just before the shoot-out by Emmanuel Agyemang Badu recalls that he had to support his colleagues from the bench during the marathon exercise which saw every member of the playing body taking part in the kicks from the short distance.
“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 have lost twice on penalties (2006 and 2012) and this was their third time and they won it. I’m sad at the moment. We lost today but its not over yet.
“We were hoping to make history, but it did not happen,” said Gyan, who said he did not watch the 1992 final between the sides that the Ivorians won also on penalties.,
Ghana coach Avram Grant also showered praise on his players despite losing to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015.
“I’m so proud of my team and 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,” Grant said at the post match press conference.
*Culled from CAF Online