Johannesburg — Ghana carry the hopes of a continent into Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay, seeking to keep a bright light shining amid the disappointment of a dismal tournament for Africa.
The only one of the six African sides to make it past the first round, the Black Stars can create history if they beat their South American opponents and progress into the final four.
No African side has ever gone past the last eight at previous World Cups but Ghana believe they have as good a chance as any team to make it to Tuesday’s semi-final, possibly against Brazil.
“Ghana is the only one African team remaining on African soil and I believe that all African countries are behind us. They are giving us good motivation and support,” said captain John Mensah.
“I believe we can go to the semi-finals. We are up and coming. When we began, it was a little difficult but now our motivation is growing. I believe that if we continue with extra hard work, we can go higher.
“It was very important for us to win because we know that Africans are proud and we are playing on African soil.”
But Mensah might not make the game after sitting out training this week, posing a threat to Ghana’s hopes of dealing with the threat of Uruguay’s much-vaunted attack.
Strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have five goals between them in the tournament so far and are arguably the most exciting attacking duo seen in the World Cup finals for several decades.
Jonathan Mensah is already out, suspended, although Isaac Vorsah returns after two games out with injury.
Coach Milovan Rajevac has given no indication whether he will finally hand a start to star player Sulley Muntari, benched for his latest run-in with authority. At this World Cup, Muntari has been used only as a substitute, a gamble of sorts but one that has so far worked.
Dede Ayew has been brilliant out wide where Muntari might have played but Ayew is suspended for Friday’s game.
Muntari is favoured to be selected but there is also the option of playing Dominic Adiyiah, the best player at last year’s World Youth Championships, and Prince Tagoe, who plays in the Bundesliga.
