The sight of the ball grazing the cross bar into the South African skies and the instant squirm on faces across the continent lingered on my mind for over a week.
Indeed, I know friends who have still not gotten over Asamoah Gyan's penalty miss in the dying minutes in extra time of the 2010 World Cup quarter final match against Uruguay.
A few seconds earlier, Luis Suarez handled a goal bound header and the referee awarded the penalty.
Well, as wounds heal and we come to terms with that infamous defeat, the future of the team naturally becomes the topical issue.
Should wholesale changes be made to the Class of 2010 (including players dropped before the tournament) or the old limbs be phased out from international football gradually?
To the Black Stars class of 2010, I present to you, your report cards.
THE GRADUANDS
With over 60 caps for the Black Stars, you led us to our first world cup in 2006 and the just ended South Africa 2010. You leave us with fond memories.
You were not only an inspirational captain but you had 'swagger' to boot.
From dyed hair to Step-App fashion line, you lit up the football landscape and your amiable personality got you fans across the globe.
You have paid your dues and indeed, had it not been for Asamoah Gyan's penchant to do his favourite dance, you would have scored that decisive penalty against Uruguay and sealed your place not only in Ghanaian but African hearts as well.
We know you desire to go on, but that nagging knee injury has reduced your ability tremendously. It is by no means your fault.
I feel your pain ''Tornado''. Indeed I do, I mean to retire from international football at the young age of 29 years.
But please, take heart in the cliché . ''It is best to bow out when the applause is loudest''. Thank you ''il Capitano''. A thousand gun salute!
''Capitano'', you are not alone, Richard Kingson, Eric Addo, John Mensah, Laryea Kingston and Hans Adu Sarpei will provide perfect company in the land of retirement.
Mr kingson, I don't think I have come across a better Ghanaian shot stopper like you.
Oh yes! I saw Edward Ansah, Nanabenyin Crentsil, Abubakari Damba and Salifu Ansah but none have quite had the same impact.
I mean 14 years of glorious service! Come to think of it, you started so young at age 19. Mr. Kingson a.k.a Olele a.k.a Kalyppo, the people of Teshie and Ghana say a big ''Ayekoo''
We have heard that goalies get better with age but it is time to give the younger ones like Daniel Adjei, Stephen Adams, Stephen Ahorlu and Adam Kwarasey a chance.
So long Faruk Gursory! Yes, even the Turks could not resist giving you citizenship. And oh!
Please spend your time finding a decent club probably in the Arab land where you can finally ease into retirement.
I hear the money is very good. Like we say in our local parlance ''don't lose guard.''
Ei! So ''Bra'' Laryea Kingston is also on the brink of retirement from international football at the age of 29.
Ah! But why is that Ghanaian footballers bow out so young? I remember your days with Starlets 1997.
I remember when you capped a brilliant African U-20 tournament in 1999 with the winning goal against Nigeria at the then Accra Sports Stadium.
I even remember you going half nude when you scored for Hearts of Oak against your former team Great Olympics.
I remember your stint in Libya and then through Russia where everyone seemed to have forgotten you till one Ratomir Dujkovic brought you back to the national team.
Together with Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah, you formed the deadliest midfield in Africa.
That midfield ensured Ghana's first world Cup qualification.
But fate dealt you a very painful card. Due to a 4 match ban at 2006 African Nations Cup that carried over to the world cup, you missed the tourney in Germany.
I know you were peeved at the coach and F.A for not taking a risk on you, because by the time Ghana played Brazil in the second round, you had served your ban and you could have played.
Fast Forward to 2010, after a turbulent season, in which you battled injury but gained fitness just in time to participate in the World Cup in South Africa, a certain Serbian popularly known as 'Milo' had the nerve to spoil a redemption you had sought for 4 solid years! What crass wickedness!
''Big bro'', don't worry. One day, One day, I swear to God, your son will play in the World Cup. Just ask Abedi Pele.
Well, well, well, Hans Adu Sarpei, it is not for the reason that you are the oldest member of the team (34 years) that is why you are being retired.
Your body is not quite what it used to be even 2 years ago, Hans, count yourself blessed that you had the opportunity to have played in two world cups.
Blessed? Yes, come on, had it not been for the dearth of left backs, you would have watched the 2010 edition on your Plasma T.V at home in Germany.
But credit to you all the same, you were disciplined and played with commitment. Like they say in your second home, ''Danke''
Now, where is the penalty expert who calls himself the ''Rock of Gibraltar''. Of course I am being sarcastic; John Mensah's penalty kick is the perfect lesson in ''How not to covert a penalty 101''.
John don't mind me okay, just pulling your muscular legs. After all, one mistake cannot mar your outstanding contribution to Ghana football.
I remember your winning header against Brazil at the U-20 World Cup in Argentina 2001. That powerful header knocked Kaka and co out.
That was the first time I saw you in all your male glory, not forgetting the neatly shaped punk hair cut.
Did you think the punk was a kind of mojo or what? Must be, that is the only plausible reason for holding on to outdated fashion.
John, on a more serious note, though I think you have a couple of years in you, I think you should take a rain check on international football and sort out your spine problem.
I understand it might take a year out to heal completely.
Go ahead John, may the good Lord who keeps our hearts and mind guide and heal you till full recovery. Don't worry; you can always do a Roger Milla.
Now to the last member of the retiring class, Mr. Eric Pappoe Addo.
Eric, sometimes I wonder what your reaction was when Coach Milovan Rajevac informed you that you had been
dropped from the 2010 world cup squad. Anger? Disbelief or contempt? No? Must be utter disrespect huh!
I mean, the Serbian needs to learn some respect. It was pretty obvious from the previous matches through the Nations Cup in Angola that you had lost a little bit of your clean tackling and superb game reading abilities.
So really, ''Milo'' should not have taken your through that ordeal right, you being a senior player and all. I hope you are not regretting your decision to have chosen Ghana ahead of Belgium.
Back then when you made the headlines as a legitimate 17 year old boy in Belgium, both nations came calling but you rightfully chose the land of your birth over the nation that honed your football skills.
Pappoe it was the best decision, after all, where is Belgium now.
Burkina 1998, Germany 2006, Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010, four solid tournaments, one bronze and one silver.
"Pappoe, you too you were here som"?
STAYING THE COURSE
En route to the 2012 & 2013 African Nations Cup and the next world cup in Brazil 2014, a group of players would be absolutely key.
Hate or Love him, Asamoah Gyan a.k.a Baby Jet is not going anywhere.
Gyan, will be the main stay of the attack and until other suitors like Dominic Adiyiah, Ransford Osei step up their game, you will prevail till you become the ''Jumbo Jet'' we all want you to be.
Under-20 World Cup winners: Andre 'Dede' Ayew, Jonathan Mensah and Samuel Inkoom, you have a stake too.
Your mates, Emmanuel Agyemnag Badu and Opoku Agyemang as well as Bernard Yao Kumordji and Michael Essien have all returned from the sick bay and would certainly add to the team.
Ei! Michael, I have heard in some quarters that a certain Prince from Germany, Kevin Boateng has snatched your position.
Kevin ensured that you were not missed in South Africa at all. Kevin, may your years in the team be like the tattoos on your body.
Hmm! It's going to be one heck of a battle in the middle considering that I haven't mentioned Anthony Annan, and Kwadwo Asamoah.
All these midfielders in one team? And they said too many cooks spoil the broth? I beg! Ghana is the ultimate winner.
I also expect Portugal-based David Addy to complement Isaac Vorsah, Lee Addy and flag waving king, John Paintsil in defence.
As for Rahim Ayew, Quincy Owusu Abeyie, Derek Boateng, Matthew Amoah, Prince Tagoe and Sulley Muntari, they are simply on a six month probation.
Once their grades improve, I'll be the first to clamour for their readmission to Team A.
If you disagree with the above assessments, don't hesitate at all, pick that phone and place a call to guess who? Paul the Octopus!
NII AYITEY TETTEH Email: [email protected]