2010 World Cup Organising Committee hails Satellites

The 2010 South Africa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa has congratulated Ghana's for winning the Under 20 World Cup with a thrilling final victory against Brazil last night.

The exciting Black Satellites clinched the title of world champions after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against the Brazilians in the final in Cairo, despite being reduced to ten men in only the game's 37th minute.

“What a great moment for African football and we want to congratulate Ghana's Black Satellites on an exciting, historic victory that has warmed the hearts of all African football fans," said the OC's CEO, Dr Danny Jordaan.

"We are experiencing the golden age of football on the African continent, as Africa hosts the U20 World Cup in Egypt, the U17 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in quick succession.

"But it's not enough for us to simply host these tournaments – and host them successfully – but our African teams must seize the moment and also reach the final stages of these tournaments on home soil.

"And with a fairytale victory against Brazil in the final, Ghana's Black Satellites have shown the way and proudly put African football on the world map.

"We're delighted for them and hope it's a taste of what's to come at the Under 17 FIFA World Cup! and the 2010 FIFA World Cup next year,” said Jordaan, who was in the stands in Cairo as Ghana made history last night by becoming the first African team to clinch the Under 20 FIFA World Cup title.

The focus now shifts to the Under 17 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria, which kicks off next weekend and Jordaan also had some warm words of praise for Africa's event organisers.

“We would like to pay glowing tribute to Egypt for its wonderful organisation of the U20 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament went off smoothly without a hitch and was played in vibrant, packed stadiums, culminating in a fairytale final victory for African football.

The Egyptian organisers did a great job, which gives us all further confidence in our continent's ability as major event organisers.

We now wish Nigeria well as it gets ready to stage the Under 17 FIFA World Cup, before getting ready to welcome the world next for Africa's first senior FIFA World Cup. This is indeed a wonderful time for African football,” said Jordaan.