Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has pleaded with Ghanaians to forgive him for missing a penalty that harmed the Black Stars greatly at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)

The west Africans had an early penalty against Zambia in the semi-final of the continental showpiece, but the striker’s kick was blocked by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

The game ended 1-0 in favour of the Copper Bullets who eventually won the trophy. Days after the competition, Gyan is saying sorry from his United Arab Emirates base, pointing out that the greatest in the game are not immune when it comes to missing from the spot.

"I'd like to apologise to the fans," he told skysports.com. "It's been very difficult for me. I'd never miss a penalty on purpose," he said.

"It's now two of the biggest penalties in my country's history and it's difficult to take! I've been unlucky. We all miss them. Fans should know it's not easy. [Didier] Drogba missed in the final [Samuel] Eto'o has missed before. It's happened to the greatest before, I'm sorry."