“I was there” and remain proudly African. Forever.
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A particular type of goosebump covers your body when you and 94,736 people experience history unfold in front of your eyes. It was a magical night in 2010 which sadly ended in tears.
Ghana were on fire and the FNB Stadium a cauldron. An African team was on the verge of a historic first: Qualifying for a World Cup Semi Final.
Uruguay caved under the pressure right at the end of extra time and the ball flew past their goalkeeper towards the back of the net.
Enter the villain. One Luis Suarez.
Time stood still as he raised a hand into the air. It was blatant. It was illegal. And unfortunately, it was very effective.
The World Cup was well acquainted with the hand of god. But this felt like the work of the devil.
Ghana earned a penalty and Suarez a red card. Asamoah Gyan ran towards the ball and the pulsating atmosphere turned into a hush.
His strike was crisp. 94,736 people inhaled as it sailed towards history. And hit the crossbar. I discovered that night there is something quieter than a hush. 10 years later and I still haven’t exhaled.
We lost the game on penalties. My goosebumps replaced with the quiet numbness of what could have been.
But defeat cannot erase memories of unity and passion. “I was there” and remain proudly African. Forever.
Uruguay caved under the pressure right at the end of extra time and the ball flew past their goalkeeper towards the back of the net.
Enter the villain. One Luis Suarez.
Time stood still as he raised a hand into the air. It was blatant. It was illegal. And unfortunately, it was very effective.
The World Cup was well acquainted with the hand of god. But this felt like the work of the devil.
Ghana earned a penalty and Suarez a red card. Asamoah Gyan ran towards the ball and the pulsating atmosphere turned into a hush.
His strike was crisp. 94,736 people inhaled as it sailed towards history. And hit the crossbar. I discovered that night there is something quieter than a hush. 10 years later and I still haven’t exhaled.
We lost the game on penalties. My goosebumps replaced with the quiet numbness of what could have been.
But defeat cannot erase memories of unity and passion. “I was there” and remain proudly African. Forever.