Ikoli Victor
DOHA
Despite being knocked out of the World Cup, Ghana fans celebrated after their team lost to Uruguay at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.
The Black Stars were defeated 2-0 by the South Americans in the final round of Group H matches.
The Uruguayans’ defeat ended their chances of making it to the last 16, and they finished bottom of the group. But they were still overjoyed when South Korea scored late against Portugal to send Uruguay home.
Uruguay’s elimination in Qatar was celebrated by Ghana fans, with the memory of the South Americans controversially knocking them out of the 2010 tournament in the quarter-final stage.
Ghana was beaten on penalties to a historic place in the last four, but it is the circumstances that led to the shootout that they despise.
In extra time, Uruguay legend Luis Suarez deliberately handballed Dominic Adiyah’s shot on the goal line, denying Ghana a place in the semi-finals.
“The result was disappointing against Uruguay, and we even lost a penalty,” John Mensah said, “but we take consolation that our eternal rivals did not go through; hopefully our paths will cross again in the next World Cup.”
“We weren’t expected to win the World Cup, so going out at this stage isn’t too much,” said another Ghana fan, Fred Gyimah, “but our target is fulfilled to see Luis Suarez cry and Uruguay go home.”
Christian Addy justified the celebrations with a tweet, “Yes, we know, but what Suárez did will forever be in the history books and will be remembered for many years to come. Not only did we miss out on a chance to qualify for the semi-finals as a country, but we also missed out on a chance for the African continent as a whole.”
Meanwhile at the Lusail Satdium, Cameroon stunned Brazil by a solitary goal to become the first African team to defeat Brazil at the FIFA World Cup. They kept fans from sitting down until the referee blew the final whistle. The fans of Indomitable Lions of Cameroon fans erupted in scenes of joy at the Lusail Stadium and its environs.
Cameroonian fan Christell Choudjem described the atmosphere at the stadium as “extraordinary.”
“We cheered, screamed, laughed, and danced when it was all over,” Christell said after the game. “Despite exiting the best World Cup tournament of all time, it was a memorable and sweet victory,” said coach Essomba. “We knew we’d beat Brazil because once you’re in danger, you know you’re no longer in danger.”
Eric Ndongo described the victory as a “perfect gif,” saying he paid through the nose to fly to Qatar and that the victory relieved him of the burden. “This victory is a perfect gift for us and brings joy to the entire country, especially those of us who have paid so much to come here. We deserved this win, and the Lions exhibited great bravery and determination.”
“This victory is sweet for the fans, and becoming the first African nation to defeat the mighty Brazil is incredible in this incredible World Cup of upsets,” said Abubakar Alhaji.
Many Africans at the stadium shared the joy. A Nigerian supporting African teams, Lisa Gwomson, echoed the sentiments of many Africans when she stated that the performance of all African teams has shown that the continent needs more representation at the next tournament in Canada, the United States, and Mexico in 2026, referring to the continent’s only five World Cup berths.
