Sports News of 2026-10-15
‘Did Maradona quit football?’: Anthony Baffoe on calls to retire after 1992 AFCON penalty miss
Former Ghana captain Anthony Baffoe has recalled the emotional toll of missing a penalty in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast, questioning why the setback should have prompted calls for him to end his football career.
Baffoe was part of the Black Stars team that lost 11-10 on penalties after a goalless draw against Ivory Coast in Dakar, Senegal, on January 26, 1992.
The final featured an extraordinary 24-kick shootout, with every player on the pitch taking a penalty. Baffoe converted Ghana’s first attempt but missed when he stepped up again after the shootout remained level at 10-10, allowing Ivory Coast to secure their first AFCON title.
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Speaking to Michael Oti Adjei, the former defender reflected on the disappointment and the questions he faced afterwards about whether he considered retiring following the miss.
“For a minute, I was just standing there, and I couldn't even realize,” he said, describing his immediate reaction.
Baffoe insisted that the miss should not define his career, pointing to his previous record as a reliable penalty taker for his teams.
“And in all my teams, I used to take free kicks and all the penalties. And, you know, I was quite a good penalty taker,” he said.
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Responding to suggestions that he should have quit football after the incident, Baffoe asked: “Did Maradona stop his career? Did Didier Drogba or Samuel Eto'o stop his career? Lothar Matthaus?”
He acknowledged the disappointment of losing the final but maintained that his overall experience at the tournament remained a source of pride.
“I was very proud to defend and serve my nation in this tournament. And for me, they are unforgettable moments,” he added.
FKA/AM
