RUSTENBURG, South Africa - Defender Samuel Inkoom raised the Ghanaian and South African flags in the air as he celebrated his team's win with a victory lap around the field. The poignant gesture symbolized African unity and support of the Black Stars' 2-1 win over the United States.
Saturday night was not the first time Ghana has thwarted the American team, as the West Africans also eliminated the United States from the first round of the 2006 World Cup after an identical 2-1 loss to Ghana.
The Americans have repeatedly played from behind to secure narrow wins in the last moments of the game. However, the U.S. defense had a slow recovery from the Black Stars' attacking offense, which earned its first goal in the fifth minute on the legs of Kevin-Prince Boateng.
"We didn't take advantage of our chances, so the better team won," said disappointed American fan Peter Talluto. "Congratulations, it's been a good run. Four years from now, hopefully we'll rebound and do a little bit better."
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