The Gambia head coach Jonathan McKinstry has recalled Asamoah Gyan’s famous penalty miss against Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup while reflecting on his long-standing connection with Ghanaian football.
McKinstry said his interest in African football began in Ghana during his time at the Right to Dream Academy in Old Akrade, where he also witnessed one of the most painful moments in the history of the Black Stars.
“My love affair with African football started in Ghana at the Right to Dream Academy in Old Akrade. I watched Asamoah Gyan miss that penalty in 2010 [against Uruguay] here in Ghana,” McKinstry said, as quoted by Sporty FM.
Gyan missed a late penalty against Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final after Luis Suárez handled Dominic Adiyiah’s goal-bound header on the line. Ghana went on to lose the match in the ensuing penalty shootout.
McKinstry’s comments came after he led The Gambia to a 4-2 comeback victory over Ghana in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars took a 2-0 lead through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan, but The Gambia responded before half-time and completed the comeback with two more goals in the second half.
The result marked another significant moment in McKinstry’s connection with Ghana, where he previously spent time and developed an understanding of the country’s football environment.
“I know people in Ghana and still follow what happens at club level in Ghana football. So beyond the tactics, I had a little understanding of Ghana’s football culture,” he said.
According to McKinstry, that familiarity helped him anticipate how Ghana might respond after The Gambia drew level at 2-2.
The victory gave The Gambia six points from their opening two Group C matches, while Ghana remain without a point after consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
