Ghana can make it to the final - Abedi Pele

Ghana legend and three-times African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele Ayew believes his country can go all the way to the finals of the Fifa World Cup as they prepare to take on Uruguay in tomorrow's quarter-final at Soccer City.

"I am very happy that we qualified for the quarter-finals. It's a huge improvement given that we got knocked out in the second round in the last World Cup," Ayew said yesterday. "The whole of South Africa and Africa is behind us and we have no choice but to go further.

"Football is not mathematics. We are strong and so are Uruguay. The game can go either way. This gives us the confidence that we can go further. I see Ghana going all the way to the final."

The World Cup has elicited mixed emotions from Ayew, who has had to juggle roles as a father, a coach, a fan and a TV analyst. Ayew, whose two sons - Andre and Ibrahim - are in the Ghana World Cup team, said he is happy about the performance of his country, while failure by other African teams has left him sad.

"I am very happy about Ghana. I was happy that we had six teams at the World Cup, but only one advanced to the next round," he said. "I am a bit disappointed by African teams."

Ayew's son, Andre, has made the former Olympique Marseille star proud with great displays. "I am happy Dede (Andre) has done well. What is interesting is that I am still strong to see him play in a World Cup," he said.

"It's been difficult at times, because when he steps on to the pitch, you don't know whether he is going to do well or not. So you can imagine the emotions.

"We have been doing some coaching on the phone. I also encourage Ibrahim to be patient so that, when his time comes, nothing can stop him," said the man who captained Ghana for six years and is a 1982 African Nations Cup winner.

For all his exploits on the field, Ayew never played in a World Cup. However, he doesn't regret it. "I am happy that the World Cup is in Africa. It's more satisfying than playing. I prefer to fight for freedom so that my children can enjoy the benefits."