Qatar 2022 – Ghana: The day Suarez denied Africa a semi-final

After Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) advanced to the quarterfinals, Ghana was to be the first African nation to compete in a World Cup semi-final. This dream, which seemed so close to being realized in 2010, will be crushed by one man: Luis Suarez (Uruguay).

The 2nd of July, 2010 could have been an important date for Africa. However, this date resembles a nightmare. A genuine tsunami for the numerous African footballers. Because never before was an African team so close to achieving an unparalleled feat: qualifying for the World Cup semifinals. Ghana sensed it, and the Black Stars were already discussing the possibility of doing it.

If Cameroon had reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 1990, followed by Senegal in 2002, Ghana had already matched that feat on South African soil, and history would be etched in indelible writing on July 2. Luis Suarez, against all obstacles, blocked an entire continent from pursuing its dreams.

At the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, a quarterfinal of the World Cup was being played in the past. The scoreboard between the Uruguayans and the Ghanaians remained at 1-1. Numerous spectators in the grandstand had their hearts hammering. Undecided, we were approaching the last moments of a game.

Uruguay was entrenched in its camp and “refusing” to play. In the final action of extra time, Luis Suarez blocked a shot with his hand. One of the tournament’s most controversial and unforgettable events. Suarez was dismissed. Gyan Asamoah, the shooter, held his breath. The entirety of Africa supports him in his endeavor. In the end, Ghana and Africa were left on their knees when the Black Stars were defeated on penalties (4-2).

The wound has not yet healed.

It is one of the greatest World Cup disappointments for Ghana. After participating in 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), and 2014 (Brazil), Andre Ayew’s teammates have never forgotten this sad page. John Paintsil stated, “We were duped.” And to disclose. “We should have been awarded a goal for hand-clearing the ball.” “I cannot forgive him since his actions were not accidental. He (Suarez) is aware of his actions. You can tell that someone who cheated us is celebrating when we were crying. How can I show him mercy? I will never forgive, never, never “, added Sarpei, still in BBC. Pantsil, one of Ghana’s most renowned players for an extended period of time, says, “I assumed that since the final man on the line had touched the ball with his hand, it should have been a goal,” therefore he was already anticipating a win. “Everyone knew we could beat Uruguay on the road to the game, and the entire world was rooting for us,” moaned left-back Sarpei.

After losing out on the 2018 World Cup, Ghana returned to the international stage with the same winning mentality.