Rounding the Cape

While many Australians back home will be rueing that tough group stage draw against Ghana as the win that got away – all of Africa is willing the Black Stars on as it tries to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Not since Italy 1990 – when Cameroon stylishly danced their way to the quarter-finals – has an African team done so well. Hopes were high after Ghana reached the finals of the African Cup of Nations, losing in an upset to Egypt, which didn’t even qualify for this World Cup.

But watching the knockout match between USA and Ghana in Cape Town’s iconic Long Street, I was unprepared for the huge amount of local support (not to mention the surprisingly large number of American fans too – since when did they love football??).

Bartenders, waiters and kitchen staff made no attempt to appear busy, and all were transfixed on the hundreds TV screens in every bar, restaurant and café.

As the match went into extra time, tensions rose, but hope and belief remained that this African football powerhouse would overcome a dogged and disciplined US.

The goal came early and the Black Stars hung on … and from the moment the full-time whistle blew, the street erupted in celebration.

The already crowded street came to a standstill – gridlocked cars leaned on their horns as people ran up and down the street cheering, while others appeared on balconies above the night-life strip waving flags and willing on Ghana, for all of Africa.

This morning our local crew were beaming after the win. There’s real hope that Ghana can overcome the dogged Uruguayans and then it’s just one more win from the Final.

A pipe dream perhaps, with Brazil looming as a potential semi opponent, but this is a nation that is floating on a cloud of passion for this first-ever African World Cup.