Stephen Appiah recalls a pivotal moment in his career when fate and the support of a teammate led to his first professional contract. At the time, he was playing with the junior side of his team and had yet to secure a professional deal. The senior team was scheduled to play a friendly match against Austrian club Sturm Graz. During the game, in the 80th minute, Gago Mohammed, a senior player, feigned an injury to provide Appiah with an opportunity to showcase his talent.
Seizing the moment, Appiah entered the game and made an instant impact, scoring an incredible goal from 25 yards out. The next day, his name and performance were featured prominently in Italian newspapers, capturing the attention of scouts and fans alike.
Appiah, eager to understand the significance of this turn of events, reached out to Gago Mohammed. Visiting his teammate’s home, Appiah learned that the coach had orchestrated the opportunity to accelerate his contract signing. Two days later, Appiah signed his first international contract, marking the beginning of his illustrious professional career.
Reflecting on the moment, Appiah credits Gago Mohammed’s unselfish act and the coach’s belief in his abilities as the catalysts for his breakthrough in football. It was a moment that set the foundation for his success and left an enduring mark on his journey.