Former Ghana defender Anthony Baffoe has questioned why he should have considered retiring from football after missing a decisive penalty in the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

The former Black Stars captain revisited the painful moment during an interview with Michael Oti Adjei, recalling the disappointment of Ghana’s defeat in Dakar, Senegal, on January 26, 1992.

The Black Stars lost 11-10 in a dramatic penalty shootout after neither side could find a breakthrough during regulation time. The contest required 24 kicks, with every player on the pitch taking a penalty before Ivory Coast secured their maiden AFCON title.

Baffoe had converted Ghana’s opening attempt but missed when he stepped up again with the shootout level at 10-10, handing the Ivorians the opportunity to clinch victory.

“For a minute, I was just standing there, and I couldn't even realize,” he said, describing his immediate reaction to the miss.

“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.

Questioning why one missed kick should determine his future, Baffoe cited legendary footballers who continued playing despite experiencing setbacks.

“Did Maradona stop his career? Did Didier Drogba or Samuel Eto'o stop his career? Lothar Matthaus?” he asked.

Despite the heartbreak of losing the final, Baffoe said representing Ghana 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.