From Abdulai M. Gariba, GNA Special Correspondent in Rustenburg, South Africa

Rustenburg, June 29, GNA - Black Stars midfielder Andre Ayew says he believes the team can achieve the historic feat of becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals at the World Cup.

The Black Stars defeated USA by 2-1 at extra time to reach the quarter-final, the farthest an African team has reached so far in the history of the quadrennial soccer event, emulating the feats chalked by Cameroon and Senegal in 1990 and 2002 respectively.

Ayew, one of the best performers in the Stars set-up at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, insists the team can go farthest in the competition. The 20-year-old told GNA Sports in an interview in Rustenburg that reaching the final remains the ultimate dream of the Black Stars. "We want to go as far as the final. We won't get carried away with the fact that we have reached the quarter-final."

Ayew, unavailable for Friday's quarter-final clash with Uruguay due to suspension, says the Stars can scale over the South Americans in his absence.

"The team does not rely on any individual. We play as a team and I believe we have substitutes to play in my absence.

"There are equally good players among the substitutes and anyone selected to fill that role will sure live up to expectation." The left-footed midfielder reckons that Uruguay won't be pushovers, that they are determined and hungry for success.

" Uruguay will be very tough to beat. They have played excellently in the competition so far.

"They also have some good players like Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, but we will fight for the best results."

Ayew capped his fine performance in the competition so far with the "Budweiser Man of the match" award during the second round victory over USA last Saturday. 29 June 10