The president of Ghana's football federation hopes the team's performance at the World Cup will help unite the entire African continent, as other countries join in supporting the Black Stars ahead of their quarterfinal against Uruguay.
Kwesi Nyantakyi said Thursday that Ghana's ``sterling performance'' at the tournament in South Africa can help mend fragile relationships between countries and warring factions across the continent, as Ghana tries to become the first African team ever to reach the World Cup semifinals.
``We are happy that FIFA has given South Africa and Africa the opportunity for healing,'' Nyantakyi said. ``We are supported by the whole of Africa. In Africa, we are one person, we have a common objective and that is why we support one another.''
Only two other African teams have advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals - Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002. After beating the United States in the second round, millions of fans across Africa are hoping Ghana can go at least one step farther.
``We know we are not alone,'' Nyantakyi said. ``We are trying to pursue the African cause - we will do our best.''
Ghana's federation on Thursday was given a portrait containing a tribute from South Africa's ruling African National Congress party as a token of appreciation for the team's World Cup performance.
ANC national chairwoman Baleka Mbete handed over the gift at Rivonia, formerly a farm where Nelson Mandela and other liberation fighters were rounded up and arrested while plotting against the apartheid state in the early 1960s. The group was subsequently charged with sabotage and terrorism in what became known as the ``Rivonia Trial.''
