The Black Stars of Ghana must deliver today when they play against Uruguay in their first run to the World Cup quarter-finals.Black Stars are among Africa's best ever performers at the global tournament, and they stand the chance to become the only side from Africa to ever reach the last four, if they manage to win the match with Uruguay this evening in Johannesburg.
The Black Stars are carrying the hopes of the entire continent of Africa as both Africans resident in the continent and those in the Diaspora are with the team.
In fact, today's encounter between Ghana and Uruguay is a do-or-die match for both teams.
For Uruguay, it's their first last eight place since their run to the semi-finals in 1970. But the same cannot be said of Ghana, who has never come this far in the tournament, having reached the second round four years ago in their FIFA World Cup first appearance.
Uruguay's form might have captured the attention of a whole nation, but Ghana's is that of an entire continent.
Ghana is the only one of six African participants to advance past the group stage, and they aim to keep the continent's flag high.
Some football pundits believe that if the Black Stars manage to stay focused, they can even lift the trophy.
In any case, the whole continent's hopes are with Ghana, and we pray that the Black Stars would not let Africa down.
Our advice to the players is to remain calm and play as a team, knowing full well that Uruguay has a rich World Cup history, having won the competition in 1930 and 1950, and reached the semi-finals in 1970.
Nonetheless, with hard work the Black Stars can set a record in this march, considering the number of talented players at the team's disposal.
The challenge is to keep the flag of Africa flying high, since the whole continent is with the Black Stars.
