Last fall the Ghanaian junior team (The Black Satellites) became the first African team ever to win the Under-20 (years of age) World Cup, a feat that remains fresh in the hearts and minds of Ghanaians everywhere. And the Ghanaian national team, referred to as the Black Stars, have already qualified for this summer's World Cup in South Africa (the first time an African nation has hosted the prestigious event).In fact, football is so popular here that on the day I arrived one of the Temasco staff reminded me that Ghana defeated the USA in the 2006 World Cup (luckily, at that time I was living in Hungary where football is also a "national religion" so I had watched the match and knew what he was talking about - I didn't have the heart to tell him that the majority of Americans - and normally me too - would have no idea what he was talking about).
So when Ghana plays a match in the Africa Cup, it's like Superbowl Sunday in Green Bay: the streets and stores are empty and people gather around any available television. And on campus, there aren't too many TVs that the students can watch - they have none. So, some staff houses become temporary hangouts and someone set up a 21" TV in the assembly hall.
So with Thursday night's win Ghana will face Egypt on Sunday evening for the championship. Egypt is a powerhouse: in this tournament it is 5-0 having outscored its opponents 14-2. Dating back to 2004, the team has won a record 18 consecutive Africa Cup matches (and three championships). Meanwhile Ghana has a storied history as well: it has four Africa Cup titles in its past - the last in 1982. In this year's tournament Ghana is 3-1 but has only outscored its opponents 4-3 (it has won three matches each 1-0).
So the heavy favorite Sunday is Egypt. But, the Black Stars are a team on the rise, and during Egypt's 18-match winning streak they have not once had to face mighty Ghana!
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