At 48, Abedi Pelé remains one of the legends of African football. The former Black Star believes Ghana must seize the opportunity and become the first African country to make the last four of the World Cup.
Ghana’s living soccer great – Abedi ‘Pelé’ Ayew firmly believes the Black Stars “can beat anybody” but against Uruguay – he’s cautious.
Ayew said people should not overrate Black Stars’ hopes ahead of Friday’s crucial World Cup quarterfinal against the south Americans.
“With the way they played against Serbia, Germany and USA, I think we can beat anybody,” the 1982 African Cup of Nations winner, Ayew said.
But overrating them, this could give the boys unsure confidance and undermine their opponents.
He praised the only remaining African team’s mental strength and determination.
Ghana will be looking to make history when they take on Uruguay in the quarterfinals at Soccer City.
The Black Stars will be seeking to become the first African side to make the semifinals of the global showpiece, having already matched the exploits of Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) in reaching the last eight.
The three-time African Footballer of the Year believes Ghana had a quality team capable of making Africa proud after Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Algeria, Nigeria and hosts South Africa were emptied out at group stage.
“The journalists asked me about the USA match. I said USA can win, Ghana can win and Ghana won. So, we are going to apply the same way to Uruguay, They are a great team and we respect them very much,” he added.
The Black Stars find themselves in the last eight after beating Serbia 1-0, drew 1-all against Australia, lost 0-1 to Germany in Group D to finish second on four points but progressed to the knockout stage where they eliminated the US in Rustenburg on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Black Stars could be sweating over the fitness of their top marksman Asamoah Gyan after he pulled out of training with a “slight knock” on Monday.
Young Gyan has banged three vital goals for Ghana with the most important against United States Of America.
However, he The Stade Rennes striker told reporters at the training ground that he would be fit – come Friday.
“I had a slight knock and the ankle is a bit swollen but I should be playing on Friday. I am confident about that.”
