Diaspora Ghanaian's want to return to start a revolution

Very interesting indeed. This was originally posted in the Ghanaian Chronicle.

Ofori Ampofo, the leader of the group, called the National Party (and who currently resides in the US, where else?! OK, I am being glib, but still..) looks set to launch the party on Saturday, July 1. The article continues...

'...He told The Chronicle in an interview that the group had decided to descend into the local political scene because of, “The blatant mismanagement of the nation’s affairs and the massive squandering of the little resources of the country...“The people must be made aware that their conditions ought to have been better if they had had good leaders since independence.'

You can read the rest here:
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=106633

Party up yuh self...

The Black Stars are returning home (to Ghana) today and will be met by a party - the nation is going to let them know how proud it is of their footballing warriors (I haven't had much sleep, OK?!!).

'The Ministry of Information and National Orientation in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports will on Friday June 30 organise a grand welcoming party for the senior national team, the Black Stars, when they arrive from the World Cup in Germany in recognition of their performance.'
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=106655

Sounds like it will be a tonne o' fun - I wonder if, when they return to their countries of work (England, Italy etc), if their Diasporan communities will let them know how much they are appreciated?!

Whitney, Arnie and David Hasslehoff say 'Stop the Madness'

Oh, hell to tha no (as good ol' Whitney would say). So, I am out of order for doing this, but Whitney Houston in a anti-drugs video, called stop the madness? Dang. But that aside, its a gem, features David Hasslehoff (in that tired old Knight Rider leather jacket...), LaToya Jackson and Arnie. They are all telling us to stop the madness. While I am sure the attempt was very earnest, given what most of the artists involved have been involved in since, it's all a little ironic, really: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5zJvX3pIY4

THANK YOU BLACK STARS! ROLL ON SOUTH AFRICA 2010!!

OK, the boys didn't win their match, they missed ample opportunity to score, but they didn't disgrace themselves - they did us proud. The score didn't represent the quality of Ghana's play (apart from their inability to convert their possession into goals!!). Even Brasil's coach had to pay our boys a tribute. But it was no walk in the park for Brazil, they worked for those goals. However, we saw why Brazilian players get paid the big money. It's simple - they are able to convert their possession into goals easier than Ghana can - right now... But you know what? We should only look at this experience as a success - and build on it.
Some say that Ghana's defeat is a setback for Africa to maintain its quota of five teams in the tournament. I don't think so. I think the continent needs to take this experience and run with it. And Africans KNOW how to make something work for us - its what we do. So, enough already!! That coming from me shouldn't be taken lightly, because I can be quick to write things off if they don't go the way I want them to. So here is my suggestion. Let the Ghana national football squad know that you thought they did us proud, send a letter, an email! No, its not wack, how else are they going to know that people across the world appreciate them?! I am writing mine right now...

Meanwhile Spain lost 3-1 to France (so Ghana is almost in good company - and what I mean by that is that the teams lost by a similar margin...). That was painful for Spain. They were level until the last 10 minutes of the match... wow... So who to support now that the tournaments most ethical team is out of the running?! I have three choices (in no particular order): Brasil? They are always a favourite, but I dunno - its hard given today's result, but that said, if they win, we feel better about our loss, I guess.. or maybe France? A lot of brothers on the team, I am always down for supporting the Diaspora - and given that Luis Aragones, the Spanish coach STILL refuses to apologize to Thierry Henry for the racist comments he made toward the Frenchman, I have a little more sympathy with the French team. Then, of course, there is In-ger-laaaand (England to you...), well, its the country that I was brought up in, after all!! But no matter what, from here on in, the World Cup, wont QUITE be the same for me!! Thank you Black Stars for your kick-ass performance! And long may your rise continue!!

I now know why grown men lose their minds at football matches...

Well, its the morning of the Brazil v Ghana match, and I am reflecting on the past week. I really do get why people just lose all common sense when it comes to football matches now. I thought I did before, because I have always been passionate about 'the beautiful game', but Ghana's inclusion on this tournament has taken it to another level. It's like self inflicted torture. It's self inflicted because I want to watch and I want to know what is going to happen, and its torture - well, maybe trauma - because I find myself emotionally drained at the end of each match. I get nervous just before, wound up during and (so far), completely elated, at the end of every match! It's nuts! They should put a health warning up before each match!

Well, I am off, need to get ready. Whatever happens, the boys kicked ass, serious ass...

Torn loyalties for Ghana's African Brazilians

http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=sportsNews&storyID=2006-06-26T002405Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-256715-1.xml&archived=False

By Orla Ryan

ACCRA (Reuters) - When Ghanaian chief Nii Azumah the fifth sits down on Tuesday to watch the country's soccer team play Brazil for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, his loyalties will be divided.

He is one of an estimated 2,000 direct descendants of a group of 70 Brazilian slaves who bought their freedom and returned to the continent of their ancestors nearly two centuries ago.

"I call myself a Ghanaian. In my mind I will support Brazil, but in my heart it is Ghana. In my mind, my descendants are from that place, no matter what I should be with them," Azumah said.

"If it had been any other team, I would have supported Brazil 100 percent. But I was born, bred and educated in Ghana (so I have to support Ghana)," he said.

Azumah's great grandfather was a leader of the first Tabon, so called by Ghanaians when they heard the new arrivals reply Ta Bom (I'm fine) to the Portuguese greeting of Como Esta (how are you?). He is now the chief of the Tabon.

"I am very, very proud, I am very proud of my ancestors, my family, almost everything that constitutes (being) a Tabon," said Azumah, who has never been to Brazil.

Four-time winners of the African Cup of Nations, the Ghanaian football team earned the nickname the African Brazilians in homage to the world champions, Brazil.

Ghana will play Brazil on Tuesday after clinching a place in the second round of the World Cup finals in Germany.

The links between the two countries were forged by the slave trade, which saw hundreds of thousands of West Africans sold to the Caribbean, Brazil and America -- parts of the world which remain heavily populated by people of African descent.

BRAZIL LANE

Many freed Brazilian slaves returned to West Africa, settling in Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin and their presence is still visible in the seaside heart of old Accra, Jamestown, where the dilapidated Brazil House stands on Brazil Lane.

Said to have brought the first scissors to Accra, the Tabon set up a tailoring shop in Jamestown's Scissors House, still home to many Tabon people. They dug the city's first wells, a skill learnt in Brazil.

The modern Tabon are integrated into Accra's Ga tribe but their food, dance and song -- some of which contain Portuguese words -- reflect their Brazilian heritage, and many want stronger links with Brazil.

"I would like to go to Bahia (in Brazil) and meet as many black people as possible. Some of them are entrepreneurs and could join us here in Ghana," he said.

Lawyer Nii Azuma Nelson, also a Tabon, believes Brazil could do more for his community. "We think Brazil should give us a little more recognition, we have ties, we have families there.. We are the poor relatives, they are the rich relatives," Nelson said.

What the world could learn about Religious respect from the Black Stars

Here is a cool report from the Ghanaian Chronicle about the post USA match celebrations:

'From Ho, the Volta regional capital, Samuel Agbewode reports that residents defied a heavy downpour and filled the streets with jubilant youth singing ‘borborbor’ and ‘jama’ songs from the Civic Centre, through the K.K. House traffic light junction to the central market near the main lorry park...'Read the rest here: http://www.ghanaian-chronicle.com/thestory.asp?id=10433.

There is also an interesting piece in the Daily Telegraph, from the UK. Its interesting, but not surprising, I guess, given the current political climate, how the 'Muslim's living side by side with Christians' angle is of interest in this piece published in the British newspaper. Once you get over the stupid talk about Ghanaian coach, Ratomir Dujkovic's CV, which, according by Simon Hart, 'reads more like that of an Amnesty International outreach worker than a football coach', the stupid comment about the penalty (how many times do we have to say it, it would have made no difference...) and the fact that it is a piece published in The Daily Telegraph, a right-leaning broadsheet newspaper from the UK, there are actually some interesting obsercations made about the role of religion and diversity in Ghanaian society...

"In this group of Ghana Black Stars we have Christians and Muslims and both groups pray together. One player leads the prayers and the rest follow him. If it's a Muslim who is leading the prayer, all the group will pray with him. If it's a Christian, they do the same."

The religious tolerance within the squad perhaps explains why, in the aftermath of Ghana's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, defender John Pantsil saw no problem with pulling an Israeli flag from his sock and dangling it in front of the cameras for the benefit of supporters of club side, Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

But the gesture brought widespread condemnation throughout the Arab world and even sparked a debate about who was the bigger enemy - Ghana or the United States. The controversy was eventually defused by an apology from the Ghanaian football federation, who blamed the incident on the player's "naivety".

After the United States match, there was a similar innocence as the Ghanaian players explained why they had become the only African nation to make it through to the knockout phase. Sulley Muntari, the talented Udinese midfielder who missed the United States game through suspension but will return on Tuesday, stressed the importance of the pre-match prayer. "We talk together and then we pray to God that He should give us strength and the powers to play well," he said.

You can read the rest here:
http://wc2006.telegraph.co.uk/Document.aspx?id=677A924F-8E91-488A-9D8F-33C1401DF05A

Raps problem with Oprah

A few months back, some rappers - Ludacris, 50 Cent and Ice Cube - openly expressed their displeasure with Oprah Winfrey, saying that she didn't promote rap music. Following this, she went on a morning show, hosted by Ed Lover, on Power 105.1, and faced some tough questions about her attitude toward rappers. Check out this piece by Yvonne Bynoe, called Rappers Aren't Feeling Oprah's Love, which gives an analysis on the situation. I agree with her, Oprah shouldn't have to promote something if she doesn't want to - and if people have a problem with that, then they are just going to have to hug it out: http://www.alternet.org/story/37815/

Football, nation building and national pride

While talking to a friend about Ghana's win, I explained to her why I felt so passionately about it. It's like this: It's the first time that I have felt that the place where my family is from, (where the people look like me and I am accepted, even as someone born and bred outside of the country) is being recognised for its achievements. This is a completely emotional reaction, but at the same time, the reaction comes from a historical and political place. I can't (and won't) deny it, African's have something to prove to the world - and to ourselves. We 'need' to remind people that we are worthy, and to under estimate us is a mistake. It's about respect - and where better to prove it, than in a sports setting? On the sports field, your only weapon is your skill. Performance enhancing drugs aside, money isn't going to help you overcome your opponent. But it's still a battle - of wits and a battle for national pride. And just as Cameroon and Nigeria did before them, Ghana ('the tiny african nation', according to the New York Daily News), made the point (again) that African's can compete in an international setting and should be given the respect accorded to other (read: white) teams, on the sports field - and beyond. So, to beat the best European teams, and beat the US - percieved by some as a 'big' team, because of its political and economic strength - and huge levels of confidence - is a massive statement to the world. HUGE. Why do you think Michael Essien said that the Czech win was for the people of Africa? But it's not just about skin colour - The Irish felt the same way around 10 years ago when they gave the English football team a run for its money in the mid to late 90's; Cameroon felt the same way, as did Nigeria when they proved their detractors wrong at 'round about the same time. I bet the Brasilians thinks that every four years when they bring the trophy home!

So now, it's Ghana representing the continent of Africa - and her Diaspora (uh huh, I know African American's who supported Ghana when they played against the US - for political and emotional reasons). If you dont belive me when I say that we feel like we have something to prove, read this editorial from the Accra Daily Mail:

Ghana 2 USA 1

| Posted: Friday, June 23, 2006

What else can we say?
No superlative would be able to describe this historic performance and so we shan't attempt any.

All that we can say is that our country can indeed MAKE IT! We are not talking just about football and sports, but also all those departments that propel a people towards progress and development.

We are talking here of science, technology, good governance, architecture, art, music, medicine, education and all the gamut of activities that add up to create a rich culture.

As we asked in an earlier editorial, in these fantastic achievements by the Black Stars where was NPP; where was NDC. In other words, the over-policisation of issues leads only to hubris and dispersal of national effort and energies It is Ghana all the way that is taking us to these dizzying heights at the World Cup. If we start thinking and behaving Ghanaian, we shall surely MAKE it.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

Well done, ayeekoo Black Stars.

Jon Jon Jon...

Jon Stewart, comic darling of the political left in the US (who I think is quite funny, myself, most of the time) made some cheeky-ass comments about the USA's loss to Ghana. I belive he said, something to the effect of, 'There is no shame in being beaten by one of the African contintents least malourished nations'.

Huh. I see...I am telling you its getting too much! There is no shame in losing to a team that just played better than you you know??! We may be smaller than you, you may have more money than us because (and dont make me go there), but, you still lost. We still beat you, no matter how you look at it the result is the same!

Hmmm, A Big Bonus for the Black Stars from the government

I seeeeee. The boys will get some nice compensation for getting out of the group stage...
'The President of the football controlling body in Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi confided in The Chronicle that a special package, including huge financial component, has been earmarked for the team - provided they qualify for the knockout stage...' Read the rest here: http://allafrica.com/stories/200606210753.html

Meanwhile, 'Because every TV set in Ghana will be used, South Africa-based gold producer Gold Fields Ltd. will cut power usage at its mines in the country. “We were asked to cut down on our power use during the World Cup,” Terence Goodlace, the head of international operations for Gold Field, told an analysts' presentation this week.'

So, being the suspicious type, I started to wonder who these Gold Fields Ltd. people are, and what wondered what I would find if I followed the money. I haven't started work on the 'follow the money' piece of this - yet. But I did find this out: Gold Fields is an official sponsor of the Ghana FA WEBSITE, and, it seems that in 2001, there was a gold mining incident that left people with contaminated water (I know this isn't unusual). See this link, from No Dirty Gold: http://www.nodirtygold.org/wassa_district_ghana.cfm. Here is a quote:

'On October 16, 2001, a tailings dam burst at the Tarkwa gold mine in the Wassa West District of Ghana sending thousands of cubic meters of mine waste into the Asuman River and contaminating it with cyanide and heavy metals. The Tarkwa mine is operated by Gold Fields Ghana, a South African gold mining company. The disaster left more than one thousand people without access to drinking water. Virtually all life forms in the river and its tributary were killed. Hundreds of dead fish, crabs, and birds lay on the banks of the river and floated to the surface.'

Not to put a dampener on things, but looking away just because we are celebrating makes no sense either, does it?? This sporting event seems to have revealed more about the government's priorities, don't you think??

AYEEEKO Ghana!!! Ghana with the wind?? No chance!!

Yes, people, I heard them all. The headline writers were ready to help us pack our bags, but no, we're not going anywhere just yet. Instead, its the USA that (according to The New York Daily News) 'Ghanas' - geddit? gonners - Ghanas?, yeah, OK, I know... The Black Stars beat the USA 2-1. Now, the thing is, the USA seems intent to blame that penalty on their woes.

The fact is, dubious penalty or not, it doesn't really matter, because Ghana had plenty of other chances to score and probably would have done. Moreover, even if Ghana DIDN'T score, Ghana still would have gone through to the next round, so either way you look at it, the penalty doesn't really mean didly squat, does it? Meanwhile ESPN's commentary has had me on the floor with laughter. First off, they had pretty much confirmed that US manager Bruce Arena was out of a job before they even interviewed him. That's just not fair, from most reports, he's done a very good job with the US team. Then came the clanger. The commentators acknowledged the fact that Ghana had taken a half day off (true dat) and that one company had stopped gold mining so that all Ghanaians could watch the match from their homes (electricity was needed, see) 'so we shouldn't underestimate the importance of this match to the Ghanaians'. Well, thank you. A 'congratulations, you won, we are disappointed, but still, you won' would have been just fine. Thankfully, it took a SCOTTISH MAN (told you they were nice people - and hell, I was born in Scotland, so Scotland cant be that bad, eh?! tee hee) to point out the fact that Ghana actually has a GOOD team, and Essien is one of the best forwards in the English Premier League, so they should not be under estimated.

Thank you nice Scottish ESPN pundit for pointing that out to the haters. Ghana has a good team and should be taken seriously - even by Brazil, who hopefully won't hand our asses to us on a platter on Tuesday... hahahaha. In the meantime, another sports writer gives his take on team USA's loss: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3969444

But you know what? Why wouldn't Ghana win? Anything is possible, right?! And Ghana has nothing to lose, so hopefully the Black Stars will play their hearts out and do us proud again. The team has made Ghanaians on the mainland - and plenty more in the Diaspora very happy http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/5099264.stm

(image, courtesy of Accra Daily Mail)

John Pantsil the footballing diplomat and what is the confusion about 'The Lake House'??!

Wow, the Jerusalem post really took to heart the gesture by John Pantsil...
Flag gesture warms Israelis to Ghana http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1150355536400&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Ouch. Dunno what was going on there, but that move confused the hell outta me, disturbed my westernized political sensibility - and caused controversy. I dont think he was trying to make a statement about the Israel-Palestine situation. I DO think he just wanted to thank the country of the team that he plays for. But why he couldnt just hold the flag of his club I do not know... BUT, he most certainly wasnt making a political statement. And if anyone co opts what he does to make a point, well, that just isnt cool? The Ghana FA apologised and said that he didnt realise the political implications. That is not to say he is stupid. And to be honest with you, Africans are hardly ever factored into any discussion related to Israel-Palestine, or in most other global discussions, unless its about fair trade, or health, so I think those people who claim his flag waving is a sign that he is for or against any one side in this conflict are being presumptuous.

Now - and as a totally unrelated side note, Having heard that some people were confused by the film 'The Lake House', (and to see if that Speed-style Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves magic was still there), I decided to go and see the film myself. It was a'ight. Reeves didnt look as nice as he did in Speed (people, I know you know what I am talking about -- can you believe that was 12 years ago?? Dang.); he cries a good cry and yes, if Bullock's marriage to Jesse James doesnt work out, (and really do I wish them all the luck in the world..) I think there is a future in a Bullock-Reeves union. I wasnt upset with the ending, it was totally hollywood (read between those lines). But, in answer to those people who were confused, I have only this to say; Yuh na see Quantam Leap?! Bullock's character was able to change their fate, because because through their letters she worked out what was going to happen in HIS future (cause he is two years behind her), and knowledge is power, yo'. It also helped that her character could drive like a beast to that blasted lake house. So, at the end of the film, the audience is watching TWO realities - based in the same time frame - unfold. In HIS reality, we are taken back to the start of the film, just before the 'incident'. At this point, she is unaware of who he is.. The film then cuts, to HER REALITY, very different, where she knows who he is and is trying to get over heartbreak. When the penny drops for her (still in her reality), the question becomes, can she get get back to the house in time to warn him in time, so that they can have their 'second' (first go around - hence the references to the Jane Austen novel, and hence the suspense). See...?! Jeez. If Scott Bakula leaping in time, changing people's fate, in a tight-ass futuristic 'space' suit, with a cigar smoking hologram as his only friend, can do what he did for I dont know how many years, Bullock and Reeves certainly can do what they did. Dont think too hard about it, its entertaining romatinc Sci-Fi people, dont sweat it.

Cha man.

On the future of African Football

OK, so I have become obsessed with the state of African Football, I am allowed, arent I?! Here is an interesting piece by Marcel Desailly, who was born in Ghana and played for France:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/5096012.stm

Two days and counting...




(courtesy of BBC)

What we need to win

These are our options, if the St Louis Dispatch has it right:

1. Ghana would advance with a win
2. Ghana could possibly win with a tie, if the Czechs beat Italy by a few goals.

We have no choice but to win this match. Landon Donovan of team USA says this:
'I have no doubt we can beat Ghana. We need to have the same effort, same commitment and we can beat them. We need to get four points and we'll see where it puts us. Maybe we don't get the luck we need, maybe we do."

Indeed. Its all to play for and I sincerely hope the Black Stars kick some ass. I am getting increasingly nervous about this...!

Commentators on the World Cup

OK, so, the goal that the US 'scored', was actually an own goal by Italy, right?


The commentators on ESPN are hilarious. they are breaking down what the US needs to do in order to get through to the next round. Good on them. Yes, the US needs to beat Ghana, and I think Italy needs to lose to the Czech republic, if memory serves me right. Forgive me, but dont the US need to score a goal first?! I dont mean to be bratty, but let me enjoy my little 'Black Stars' enduced high. That said, I wont take anything for granted, Thursdays match is still very important and the US players will give it their all - and two of our key players will be sitting this match out, so still, I am sure there will be plenty of drama...

Anyhoo - its all about Brazil today. Brazil vs Australia today - hey anything can happen, but I dont think we will get any surprises in this match.

In the meantime, here is an interesting comment from Cameron Duodu in the guardian about racist commentary on the part of British footie commentators (obviously written efore the second match)... well, racist British commentary isnt unique, the Americans use their fair share of 'vibrant', 'strong', 'powerful', undisciplined', in their footie commentary when there is an African / South American / Caribbean team in the mix ('The Brazilian's play the game like children play the game, with so much joy and passion... or my personal favourite: 'it's like they are all doing the Samba, just not at the same time...'): http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/cameron_duodu/2006/06/all_quiet_on_the_ghana_world_c.html

That said, its not all negative, this piece was quite nice: http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/internationals/article1090218.ece

I think I might start a daily list of classic 'colonial' comments. Feel free to add to the list. You see my first two suggestions.

Ghana beats the Czech Republic - Now, THAT is what I am talking about!!

Yes, after a frustrating loss to Italy, the boys come back to make us happy! And of course, its just my luck, I dont get to see the match, no, because I am busy trying to sell a car and prepare for my working day... Kinda topped off a crappy week to be honest, but I am not going to get miserable about it, the fact is, the Black Stars' win made my week. yes it did. I even wore my football jersey during the day in honour of the match and subsequent win. But it took two people close to me, neither of whom are Ghanaian to tell me what was going down. Yes, I got word of Ghana's first goal via text. And when it got too much for me, I resorted to calling my parents home, where I was taunted by my auntie, who happened to be screaming at the TV while Ghana threatened to score a third goal.

Oh, its happy days here - and the other great thing is that the honourary Ghanaian family (which consists of British-born Pakistanis living in Brazil, Irish natives based in NYC and Iranians, who have adopted Ghana, following their loss earlier in the day - sorry, but you know...) is representing too. And let me take the opportunity to say how fine the team is looking. Yes indeed...

Its just wonderful... I hear that there were parties in Ghana - and I am sure the UK contingent represented well. But shame on this dude for getting caught during the festivities. Men are men wherever you go... But still, whatever. (photos courtesy of www.ghanafa.com). Nevertheless, onward and upward - until Thursday, where Ghana faces the U.S of A.

Black Stars v Italy - whats up with that second goal??!!

A friend commented to me how the World Cup brings out the craziest kinds of nationalism in people, and I had my moment this evening - with an Italian fan, no less! I happened to be wearing my Ghana team top today, in support of the Black Stars -- and passed the said Italian gentleman on the street. Picture it: two people, wearing football jersey's in USA - the nation that doesn't even know what 'soccer' is... We had a moment of recognition. It was like we were kindred spirits, I could see that he wanted to say, 'Sister, you are watching the World Cup too?!!!' And I wanted to answer, 'Yes! Yes, my brother, I do!!'. Then everything slowed down. I realised he was wearing an Italy top. He registered that I was wearing a Ghana top. There was a moment of confusion, and well... put it this way, we could have been two people who had bumped into each other in the street, a week after a nasty breakup.

But, let's talk about these Black Stars. This is what the Ghana Captian, Stephen Appiah said about his team after their 2-0 loss: '...We have to learn from our mistakes and not repeat them against the Czech Republic..."

What happened boys? Ghana wasnt outclassed by Italy, first things first, no matter what the press says. The team actually stood its ground. Although, they need to start actually SCORING some of those goals they try for. Essien, was wicked, definitely one of the standout players - he showed me why they paid him the big bucks, but boy, that second Italian goal was PAINFUL man. What was going on??!

What can I say, I am into my football - so much so that I shocked a new friend who watched the Ghana match with me today. He didnt realise I had it in me, what can I say... I even had to call my dad in the UK to vent. I still hurt. That second goal didnt have to happen man... That said, I was watching hisory! The first time Ghana was in the World Cup - and they were my team!!

Ugh, lets just hope that the Black Stars' next match isnt a replay of today. I dont think I could handle it. I do the math correctly, if Ghana draws with the Czech Republic and beat the USA (3-0 to the CR, is all I can say...) Ghana could still get through on goal difference. But realistically, Ghana needs to BEAT both teams. Just that simple.

And as much as I love the Black Stars, some of the team needs to work on their acting skills, that dive was hilarious... good try though...

Ghanaians - where you at?!!!

Yeah, that is the closest spelling I have to it, especially using western character, you know, I cant find the 'oh'... WHERE ARE YOU??!! My world cup experience starts TODAY, Ghana v Italy (yeah, I have had an eye on England too, but Ghana is my team, really, for a variety of reasons, which I wont go into today...) I live in NYC, so I feel like a minority anyway, as very few people really understand the significance of the World Cup, so I am dying here! I live pretty close to a large Ghanaian community, but the fact is, Ghanaians - West African's dont usually go out to bars to eat and drink - so I DUNNO where I can watch the match with other Ghanaians - short of travelling all the way to the BRONX! I cant be doing that. I love my fam, but that is a long-ass way to travel... So, I am copping out, and watching the match, with some friends at a West African bar in Brooklyn. Yes Brooklyn. We all decided that we couldnt go to a bar filled with Italians. That would have been bad, and as my friend told me, he wasnt sure if he could count on me to to the business if he got in a fight (little does he know hahaha - joking...). So Brooklyn it is. But come on!! WHERE ARE THE GHANAIANS AT?! Lemme know for next time. And Good luck to Ghana today....