Ghana

The Fulham defender told the BBC: “An African country can lift the cup.

“In Germany in 2006 we reached the last 16 but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad, I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals.

“It is a big chance for Africa to achieve,” he added.

Ghana reached the second phase in the 2006 World Cup before being knocked out by Brazil.

“Our group is very tricky but we have to focus on doing better than before,” Pantsil said.

“We are not lacking in any area. We have a good first 11 and a good bench so that will help the team progress to a better level than 2006,” he added.

Pantsil is also looking forward to having the full support of not only his home country Ghana, but the rest of the continent, too.

“All the African countries will get great support from South Africa. African fans will not support one country but will support Africa,” Pantsil said. “In Africa we love football.”

Fellow defender John Mensah, however, has warned against those who think African nations have a World Cup advantage because the tournament is being held in the continent.

Mensah says that Ghana must determine their own fate.

“I’m glad to play in it as it’s the first time the World Cup has come to Africa,” the Lyon defender told The Journal .

“But just because it’s in Africa doesn’t mean an African team is going to win it.

“We don’t need to think that because it’s in Africa we’ll have things our own way. We need to determine that ourselves.”

Sulley Muntari believes his compatriots can reach the World Cup semi-finals despite the absence of injured Michael Essien.

“After what we did in 2006 (when the Africans reached the second phase), expectations are sky-high and we will try to satisfy our supporters by giving it our absolute best shot,” said the Inter Milan star.

Muntari is coming back from injury but still hopes to play a big part in his country’s campaign as they go up against Germany, Serbia and Australia in Group D.

“We want to get out of our group and get to the semi-finals or even further,” said Muntari.

“Germany are the group favourites and so it will doubtless come down to Serbia — we don’t know quite what to expect against them, but we know they are a good team.

“Our goal is to produce good football,” said Muntari, who is coming back from a thigh injury but expects to be fit to feature against the Serbs on Sunday.

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