Look Away, U.S. World Cup Fans: 25 Photos of Excitement in Ghana

In the Ghanaian capital of Accra, not far from where I have been studying abroad this semester, locals and obrunis ("foreigners" in Twi, one of the local languages) alike gathered in a popular neighborhood called Osu to watch Saturday's World Cup match between the United States and Ghana. The excitement (dancing, singing, rejoicing) before kickoff made it seem like the national team had already achieved victory. The spirited atmosphere during play made the match difficult to follow.

In a taxi I took the day before the game, the driver told me, "Tomorrow Americans deserve at least one goal, because we like Obama." Soon after the match ended a group of happy Ghanaians shouted "Obama" in the streets while showing passing cars a sign that said, "Obama, We Are Sorry!"

When the Ghana victory was official, people started to hug each other, throw beer around and dance together to the sound of local music. Now Ghanaians anxiously await their next game. Ghana is Africa's only remaining team in the World Cup, and the Black Stars -- as the team is known -- are a source of hope and excitement for an entire continent.

Scroll down for a selection of photos taken by Andrea Patiño in Accra during the events of the U.S.-Ghana match.

	Fans watching the game at Epo's Bar, in Osu, one of the most popular hangouts in Accra.
	Locals and foreigners gathered in front of two large screens to watch the game.
	Fans found many ways to wear their team's colors.
	Ghana fans hope for a victory during the game's extra time.
	Workers at a small restaurant cheer for Ghana.
	Excitement after Ghana's victory.
	Epo's Bar erupts after the final whistle.
	Celebration was immediate and lasting.
	Celebrating Ghana's victory.
	Our award winning match outfit.
	Fans blew whistles after the match, raising spirits and evoking the final one of the match.
	Yes, vuvuzelas were here, too.
	American fans found reason to be happy for Ghana's win.
	A beer shower to celebrate victory.
	Obrunis and Ghanaians hanging out after the game.
	A BBC World Service journalist interviewing an American and a Ghanaian after the game.
	One of the more festooned locals.
	Celebrating Ghana's victory in style.
	The wigged and flagged one leads a victory chant.
	An "Obama We Are Sorry" sign during celebrations.
	A fan yells, "This time for Africa!"
	One of many unique painted faces.
	Celebrating the win in the streets.
	The post-victory smiles did not subside for hours.
	Fans now await the match against Uruguay on Friday.