Ghana's Pantsil targets semi-final

| Thursday June 10, 2010 00:00

He told BBC World Service's Sportsworld programme that this Ghana squad is better balanced than the team which reached the last 16 in 2006.

'An African country can lift the cup,' he said, adding that his Black Stars are 'not lacking in any area'.

'We want to repeat the same spirit we had at our first World Cup in Germany.'

Ghana will be looking to build on their 2006 World Cup campaign which saw them notch up impressive wins against Czech Republic and the USA, before being knocked out by Brazil in the next round.

'Our group is very tricky but we have to focus on doing better than before,' he said. The Black Stars line up in Group D alongside Germany, Australia and Serbia. Their first game, against Serbia, takes place on 13 June in Pretoria.

After an impressive African Cup of Nations campaign, which saw Ghana lose out in the final to Egypt, confidence in the camp is high.

'We are not lacking in any area.

'We have a good first eleven and a good bench so that will help the team progress to a better level than 2006.'

Ghana lost 1-0 to Egypt in the final of the African Nations Cup.

Pantsil missed out on the competition due to a ligament injury, but now has his sights firmly set on an outstanding showing in South Africa.

'In Germany in 2006 we reached the last sixteen but now, with Africa hosting and a stronger squad, I have full confidence of us being in the semi-finals. It's a big chance for Africa to achieve.' He is 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.' (BBC)