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"Ghana, please get a goal for my daughter."

Those were the words spoken from Charles Quist-Adade, the President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of BC as he and 10 other Ghanaians gathered at the home of Joseph Frimpong at 7am this morning to watch their home country Ghana take on Serbia.

Ghana is the third African team to play in the 2010 World Cup, and so far, no African team has won a match.

I am invited in and the people I am introduced to are intently focused on the game.  I feel like they really are the 12th man.  Seriously.

They are passionate, beyond words.

We are into the second half and no still no score. Aaaron Asante, amidst the others who are sideline coaching, optimistically says," Pele says that one of the African countries will be in the final."

As the time winds down, Quist-Adade adds that, "Whoever scores will win, because the equalizer will be tough at this point."

And just like that the soccer Gods from Ghana are giving their blessing, Ghana's  Asamoah Gyan scores on a penalty kick. It's on! The tension breaks and the celebrations start!

Quist-Adade hugs his daughter and says, "I feel like I'm on the 7th cloud. Ghana has propelled Africa to the top. We are going to the final!"

Ernet Kwah follows up with, "Brazil, Japan, England watch out, we are coming for you!"

Now the fun begins. 

In Ghana celebration style, I'm invited to share in the post-game celebration. Mary Frimpong has been in the kitchen preparing a feast, to be enjoyed for when the Ghanaians defeat Serbia. Apparently in Ghana, sport celebration and food go hand in hand.

Sounds great! I reach the table and get asked if I've washed my hands.  I look around and see that there are no utensils, "We use our hands as spoons" says Quist-Adade.

Oh..I see...when in Ghana...do as the Ghanaians do. And trust me, I felt embraced by the Ghanaian culture.

The menu consisted of a rice bowl and your choice of peanut or palm nut soup. I chose the peanut soup which was amazing! (I hope I get invited back!) and just a note, food does taste better when you use your hands.

We ate, toasted, talked about soccer while basking in the Ghana win and it certainly didn't feel like 10 am!

Ghana is the first African country to get a win in the 2010 World Cup.

Good news, next week, I'm invited back!