Ghana Reacts to First World Cup Win with Surprise and Pride
June 17, 2006
Ghana erupted into one big carnival on Saturday after the team's surprise 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic to give Africa its first victory at the World Cup in Germany. Cars, buses and trucks turned on their headlights and honked their horns as they sped along the streets of Accra in the twilight when the final whistle blew after the vintage performance.
Soccer fans, women and children seized anything they could lay their hands on to make noise as they sang the praises of the Black Stars. Some fans clad in the Ghanaian colors of red, gold and green ran up and down the streets while others waved the national flag as they danced.
Loud music resounded from drinking establishments as patrons began to party in celebration of the famous victory.
"This is phenomenal. I could hardly believe our feat," said Kwasi Fiagbedi, a lawyer.
"Today we tore up the Czech Republic and our victory could have been bigger had the boys taken all their chances," said Henry Oduro, an IT specialist. "I did not give them a chance but they played above themselves and produced the results we needed to lift ourselves up," he added.
Ghana started celebrating from the very first minute when the first goal was scored. There were anxious moments when they threw away chance after chance, but the determination of the players gave fans hope that Saturday would see Ghana's first World Cup victory.
"I am delighted and I hope we can put up the same display when we play the US," said James Nelson, a soccer fan. "The team has been improving from match to match and we pray the coach's strategy against the US will tear that team apart as well."
The group, which also includes Italy, was left wide open after the result and will not be decided until the final games on June 22. (dpa)