It's odd that four days later, I still don't know who won the Super Bowl!! Now that I'm online, I can check any minute but I've been far more excited about the African Cup of Nations.
On January 28, several fellow volunteers and I attended the Ghana vs. Morocco match in Accra. This match was the third of three first round matches and Ghana simply needed to manage a draw in order to advance as the winner of Group A. With two beautiful goals in the first half, Ghana advanced with ease. Tickets in the "cheap" seats cost 4 Ghana Cedis ($4) though relatively hard to come by. In theory it was possible for any of the general public to attend the game and there was a incredible energy in the stadium!!
Super Bowl Sunday also happened to be the day on which the Ghana Black Stars would take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Quarterfinals. Ghana had not beaten Nigeria in 16 years so despite a mediocre performance in group play, the Nigerian squad offered a serious test. As I was back at site with no electicity, I decided to walk the 5K to Sekesua in order to watch the match in someones back yard. There were maybe 60-70 fans of all ages glued to the small television for the 5pm kickoff. The blefono factor apparently trumps the excitement of the epic match for some as several children stood staring at me as the whistle blew.
Ghana dominated the first half but a questionable call gave the Super Eagles a penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead. The lead remained 1-0 after 45 minutes and with only 3 minutes of injury time added, the feel of the fans was that of doubt and frustration. A set play provided Ghana with one last chance in the first half. The ball was lofted from the left wing toward the penalty spot towards a striker who fought with a defender who was draped over his back. At the last moment, Michael Essien came out of nowhere to place a perfectly headed shot off the inside of the left post. The keeper had no chance to react and the game was tied 1-1 at the end of the first half.
The Black Stars continued to dominate through the second half but with 20 minute remaining, captain John Mensah (known as "Last Killer" and "The Rock of Gibralter,") took down a Nigerian striker just outside the box to earn himelf a red card. The Black Stars brought in two new strikers and put Essien back in defense for a final push. With only five minutes remaining, Junior Agogo finished a perfectly placed cross and gave Ghana the win! The place went WILD!!! People were literally falling over themselves as they ran around the yard in celebration. I can't remember a Super Bowl Sunday with as much emotion as this.
Ghana will play Cameroon in the Semi-finals tonight. The winner will take on the victor of the Egypt vs. Ivory Coast ( I can't get the french spelling right) match.
Other things of note. The cute twins have been away from site for over a month. They are visiting the father in Odumase. The Moringa project is going relatively well. Not many of the seeds are germinating and those that do don't always survive the heat. Another unexpected pest has been a fat frog whom I can't keep away. It seems that my seed bed is the only cool damp place around so a number of frogs take refuge in the soil and kick seeds around as they bury themselves.
That's all for now.
Love you all!!
1 comment:
SUCH a fun game/day!!
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