There is a familiar feel to Ghanaââ¬â¢s early exit from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazilââ¢.
As was the case four years ago in South Africa, when they fell in the last eight, the Black Stars were undone by some late twists.
It was in the 2010 world finals that the Ghanaians came within touching distance of becoming the first African side ever to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
Drawing 1-1 with Uruguay as their quarter-final went into injury time, the Black Stars were awarded a penalty, only for Asamoah Gyan to miss the spot-kick, with the Uruguayans then going on to win the tie in a penalty shootout.
Four years on and the Africans have experienced a similar fate, conceding late goals against USA and Portugal and seeing their hopes of progressing from Group H evaporate as a result.
ââ¬ÅTo say weââ¬â¢re disappointed is an understatement because we really wanted to get through the group phase,â⬠Gyan toldà FIFA.comà in the aftermath of his sideââ¬â¢s 2-1 defeat to the Portuguese in Brasilia.
ââ¬ÅEven so, I think people back home in Ghana can be pleased with our performances. And no, we wonââ¬â¢t be going back with heads bowed, because we played really well and we impressed everyone.ââ¬
The striker, who found the target against Portugal, remained upbeat despite his sideââ¬â¢s elimination, while also recognising that their off-the-field problems had some part to play in their failed campaign: ââ¬ÅWe lacked concentration at times and we spoke about that in our team meetings. We couldnââ¬â¢t afford to give away silly goals but we did it again with Portugalââ¬â¢s second. It was a gift and we paid for it, which is all part of the game.ââ¬
As one of the most experienced members of the Black Stars line-up, Gyan offered his thanks to the squad and to its younger members in particular, for whom he predicted a bright future: ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢d like to express my gratitude to the team and to the younger guys especially, who I feel can go on and achieve big things. In four yearsââ¬â¢ time weââ¬â¢re going to have another chance to prove our worth.ââ¬
ââ¬ÅObviously Iââ¬â¢d love to play in another World Cup,â⬠he continued. ââ¬ÅIââ¬â¢m 28 and Iââ¬â¢m hoping to maintain my form over the next four years. If we qualify for Russia, it goes without saying that I want to be there. I hope God can protect me from injuries.ââ¬