world cup 2010

Toronto's World Cup Warriors: the All-African

The Teams: Cameroon, Ghana, Côte D'Ivoire, Algeria, Nigeria, South Africa

World Cup History: No African team has won the World Cup, but they have have been improving steadily in the past few decades thanks to strong performances from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal. The furthest any team from the continent has gone is the quarter finals, with Cameroon reaching that stage in 1990 and Senegal repeating the feat in 2002. This being the first World Cup ever held in Africa, many African fans are pulling for all five African teams in competition.

Upcoming African games: Ghana vs. Australia (today 10 am), Cameroon vs. Denmark (today 2:30 pm), Côte D'Ivoire vs. Brazil (June 20, 2:30 pm), South Africa vs. France (June 22, 10 am), Nigeria vs. South Korea (June 22, 2:30 pm), United States vs. Algeria (June 23, 10 am), Cameroon vs. Netherlands (June 24, 2:30 pm), North Korea vs. Côte D'Ivoire (June 25, 10 am)

The Fan: Millie Aligaweesa, 25

Occupation: American Apparel sales associate

Favourite player: Didier Drogba of Côte D'Ivoire

How far do you think your teams will go in the tournament?: I really think that at least one of the African teams will do really well. Ghana or Côte D'Ivoire might even make the finals.

What's the key to your teams' success this year?: A good defense. Traditionally African teams are undone by their poor defending. Home support from all the African fans in South Africa will really help too.

Where will you be watching the games?: I booked off time at work so that I could watch every game. Sometimes I watch at a friend's house but I'd gladly go to any bar that supports African teams and their fans.

Any pre-game rituals?: I say a short prayer, try to have positive energy, and bite my nails with anxiety.

Which team is your most hated rival and why?: France, Italy, and Brazil. They've had their chance and won the title already. Now it's time for an African team to have their turn.

Photo by Jonathan Loek


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