Ghana: Black Stars Carry Africa's Hopes

27 June 2010
allAfrica.com
By Mark Gleeson

Rustenburg — Ghana became only the third African side in World Cup history to reach the quarter-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra time win over the United States at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg on Saturday.

A stunning footed volley from Asamoah Gyan settled the match for the Black Stars, who staved off extensive pressure to win a major boost for the continent.

Ghana were carrying African hopes after a dismal showing at the tournament in South Africa by the continent's five other representatives.

But coach Milovan Rajevac said they left all those pressures behind when they took to the field against the resilient Americans.

A fifth minute goal from Kevin-Prince Boateng sent Ghana into an early lead but the Americans fought back strongly after a sluggish first half, equalising just after the hour mark from Landon Donovan's penalty.

Boateng stole the ball away from Ricardo Clark in the midfield and ran on to fire home from the edge of the area in a perfect start for the Black Stars.

They might have had a second goal in the 37th minute but a stop from goalkeeper Tim Howard denied a powerful angled shot from Kwadwo Asamoah.

At the other end, key saves from goalkeeper Richard Kingson kept Ghana's lead intact against the Americans, who were sluggish at first as Ghana dominated the play.

But they still had their chances. Kingson stopped a shot from Robbie Findley with his legs 10 minutes from the interval and made a one-handed save to deny substitute Benny Feilhaber at the start of the second half.

But it threatened to turn on its head for Ghana's hopes when teenage defender Jonathan Mensah gave away a 62nd minute penalty when he brought down Clint Dempsey.

Donovan struck his spot kick in off the upright to give the Americans a deserved equaliser, as they suddenly found the reserves of energy to stage one of their customary second half rallies.

The winner came out of the blue from a long punt upfield as Gyan hammered a stunning left-footed volley to ensure a meeting next Friday with Uruguay at Johannesburg's Soccer City.

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