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Johannesburg - Former Ghana international Abedi Pele Ayew is confident that Ghana can reach the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He is aware that Uruguay are a good team but believes that his nation can advance ahead of the South Americans when the two teams lock horns in tomorrow night’s quarter-final clash.
The three times African Player of The Year knows that Ghana are carrying the hopes of the entire African continent on their shoulders but at the same time knows that the team can count on Africa’s and South Africa’s support, making Ghana the ‘home’ team in tomorrow night’s game.
“I am very happy that we qualified for the quarter-finals. It's a huge improvement given that we got knocked out in the second round in the last World Cup,” Pele told GhanaWeb. “The whole of South Africa and Africa is behind us and we have no choice but to go further.”
He added, “Football is not mathematics. We are strong and so are Uruguay. The game can go either way. This gives us the confidence that we can go further.”
“I see Ghana going all the way to the final.”
The Ghana legend has the team close to his heart with son’s Andre and Ibrahim both in the squad and admits that it is very emotional seeing them play for the nation.
“I am happy Dede (Andre) has done well. It's been difficult at times, because when he steps on to the pitch, you don't know whether he is going to do well or not. So you can imagine the emotions.”
Despite Ghana’s good run and reaching the quarter-finals, Pele is disappointed with the African team’s showing at the World Cup.
“I am very happy about Ghana. I was happy that we had six teams at the World Cup, but only one advanced to the next round. I am a bit disappointed by African teams.”
He is aware that Uruguay are a good team but believes that his nation can advance ahead of the South Americans when the two teams lock horns in tomorrow night’s quarter-final clash.
The three times African Player of The Year knows that Ghana are carrying the hopes of the entire African continent on their shoulders but at the same time knows that the team can count on Africa’s and South Africa’s support, making Ghana the ‘home’ team in tomorrow night’s game.
“I am very happy that we qualified for the quarter-finals. It's a huge improvement given that we got knocked out in the second round in the last World Cup,” Pele told GhanaWeb. “The whole of South Africa and Africa is behind us and we have no choice but to go further.”
He added, “Football is not mathematics. We are strong and so are Uruguay. The game can go either way. This gives us the confidence that we can go further.”
“I see Ghana going all the way to the final.”
The Ghana legend has the team close to his heart with son’s Andre and Ibrahim both in the squad and admits that it is very emotional seeing them play for the nation.
“I am happy Dede (Andre) has done well. It's been difficult at times, because when he steps on to the pitch, you don't know whether he is going to do well or not. So you can imagine the emotions.”
Despite Ghana’s good run and reaching the quarter-finals, Pele is disappointed with the African team’s showing at the World Cup.
“I am very happy about Ghana. I was happy that we had six teams at the World Cup, but only one advanced to the next round. I am a bit disappointed by African teams.”
