JOHANNESBURG — South Africans are rallying support for Ghana, the only African team left at this year's World Cup.

Local officials are distributing Ghanaian flags, and South Africa's governing party asked the team to change its nickname to "Black Stars of Africa."

Gauteng province spokeswoman Nomazwe Ntlokwana says the decision to officially support Ghana is aimed at extending the buzz the competition has already generated in the country.

Ghana will face Uruguay in the quarterfinals Friday at the first World Cup to be held in Africa.

Ntlokwana says the Ghanaians carry the hopes of the whole continent on their shoulders.

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