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Black Stars under pressure

AERIAL DUEL: Asamoah Gyan and David Carney of Australia during the game that ended 1-1 on Saturday. Pic.SIMPHIWE NKWALI. 19/06/2010. © ST. Ghana vs Australia during the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Rustenburg. Asamoah Gyan(3) and David Carney during the game. The score is 1-1 at full time Picture: SIMPHIWE NKWALI/ 19/06/2010
AERIAL DUEL: Asamoah Gyan and David Carney of Australia during the game that ended 1-1 on Saturday. Pic.SIMPHIWE NKWALI. 19/06/2010. © ST. Ghana vs Australia during the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Rustenburg. Asamoah Gyan(3) and David Carney during the game. The score is 1-1 at full time Picture: SIMPHIWE NKWALI/ 19/06/2010

THE chances of Ghana progressing to the second round in the World Cup look in doubt.

Not only is it a concern to the West African country, but the continent at large is probably worried too as permutations have now come into equation for the Black Stars.

Embarrassing failure by African countries has now left Ghana and Ivory Coast, and even Algeria, with the responsibility to preserve the continent's pride.

And now, such responsibility has fallen on the young shoulders of Milovan Rajevac's lads.

"We know the pressure on us to do well for the Ghanaians ... and for the African continent," said Jonathan Mensah. "It's a huge challenge now."

Goalkeeper Richard Kingson has since lifted himself following his blunder which gifted Australia an equalising goal on Saturday, and he remains positive of Ghana's chances in the tournament.

Although he acknowledged the lack of experience in the side brimming with youth exuberance, Kingson believes Ghana will go further. "The game against Germany will be huge as they also need a point to secure their place in the second round," he said.

"We lacked experience in certain areas against Australia. Our shooting was poor and some chances could have been converted on the day."

Gyan Asamoah said he'll give his heart out for the team to win.

"Ghanaians are expecting victory and not a draw. But if it happens to be a draw, Why not? We'll still go through."

Ghana and Germany meet at Soccer City on Wednesday at 8.30pm, at the same time Serbia tackle Australia at Mbombela Stadium.

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