John Pantsil of Ghana celebrates the team’s victory with a national flag after the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match against the United States June 26, 2010. Ghana won 2-1 and qualified for the round of 8. Photo: picture alliance / Photoshot

It was a weekend like no other in Nairobi. With only one African team left in the round of 16, the match between Ghana and the United States was a must see. Everyone in town was talking about the clash. After the final whistle, the US saw stars, black in colour I guess. Truly, the superpower had been outdone.

Nairobi embraced the win in a befitting celebration, like that of warriors who had won a battle. Trumpeting sounds of vuvuzelas, wild cheers and screams, drumming and chants of Shakira’s Waka Waka filled the air after the Black Stars gave new meaning to the hit phrase, “This Time For Africa”. For sure, the Black Stars twinkled all night.

There was a sense of African pride emanating from the public viewing square in Nairobi where I was to watch the action. With no clear winner after 90 minutes of regular play; a sense of desperation was creeping in. But the ultimate day’s savior was Asamoah Gyan’s personal brilliance, a goal that broke the deadlock taking Nairobi into a frenzy.

With almost everyone blowing the vuvuzela, the emphatic sounds of the South African trumpet filled the air, cars were honking, fans were cheering and chanting along the World Cup theme songs “waka waka eh eh zamina mina zangalewa this time for Ghana”…as well as when I grow older I will be stronger…this went on almost through the whole night.

With Ghana now amassing the entire continent’s support, its Go Ghana Go! when they face Uruguay Friday evening in the quarter finals.

The old nursery rhyme, The Star seems to have found new meaning in this tourney:

Twinkle Twinkle Black Stars
How I love the way you play
Up above in South Africa
Twinkle Twinkle Black Stars

Whatever the outcome of the match, Ghana will have written its own record in World Cup history.

Finally, it looks like an African World Cup after all!

And on a light note, it was good to see Germany and England finally settle their 1966 World Cup grumble…

Catch you!