“Yes We Can” was the response of jubilant soccer loving fans in the west African nation as Ghana beat the USA on Saturday evening to make it to the last eight of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Black Stars have become the third African side since the inception of the global football fiesta some eight decades ago to make it to the quarter finals. The last time an African country made it to the quarters was eight years ago. Cameroon got there in 1990 and Senegal replicated them in 2002.
Africa has remained moribund at the quarters and hopes were high that the first World Cup on African soil would bring a lot of blessings to the continent. However, all but one of the continent’s representatives have already kissed goodbye to the historic event.
The four-time African champions with the youngest squad have lifted the African flag high and continue to impress. They showed a lot of character, team work and harmony against the USA to go beyond the second stage.
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World Cup 2010: Ghana unfazed by African pressure
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac says the pressure of being the last African side in the World Cup will not hinder his team in their World Cup quarter-final.
The Black Stars, who carry the hopes of the host continent, face Uruguay on Friday aiming to become the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
"We're not under any obligation to make history but that doesn't mean we don't want to," said Rajevac.
"We will not change our style or worry about so-called pressure."
A 2-1 win over the United States helped Ghana into the last eight of the World Cup.
We have made Africa proud - Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan
We have made Africa proud - Gyan
But for Ghana to progress further, Rajevac believes his side will have to be alert to Uruguay's attacking threat.
"Uruguay have a great tradition and players playing in the best leagues in Europe," added Rajevac.
"They have to be one of the best teams in the world. They deserve every respect and Forlan is a fine player.
"But we will play the way that has brought us success so far.
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Ghana is an interesting squad to watch out as to how far they could go in this Lesotho Soccer World Cup 2010 tournament. But with a sad note the squad are going to the quarterfinals without their key players, Jonathan Mensah and Dede Ayew.
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