President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that he still harbours resentment toward Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez following the controversial handball incident at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a fundraising event, Mahama reflected on the painful moment that denied Ghana a historic semi-final berth, describing it as one of the most heartbreaking episodes in the nation’s football history.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of extra time when Suárez deliberately handled the ball on the goal line, preventing a likely winning goal for Ghana. Although the act resulted in a red card, the subsequent penalty taken by Asamoah Gyan was missed.
“I still remember 2010 vividly. The energy in the air was electric; the entire nation stood still in anticipation, united in hope,” Mahama said.
“We came so close to world glory. I still don’t like Suárez since that incident, and I have never wished him well for what he did,” he added.
Ghana’s hopes of progressing were ultimately dashed as the match went to a penalty shootout, which Uruguay won.
The encounter remains one of the most defining
