Accra, June 12, GNA 96 It was unimaginable! Almost every single individual from the ordinary man to the corporate chief executive on the social ladder was clad in the national colours as the entire nation waited in anxiety to witness the first game of the Black Stars at the World Cup.

Most people in the capital were either dressed in all-out national colours, while some preferred to spend their day decked up in golf caps, handkerchiefs, scarves or arm bands designed in national colours. Almost every car found in the city was either decorated in the colours of the nation or had national paraphernalia hanged in it. A monitoring conducted by the GNA Sports from Accra New Town through Circle, Kaneshie, Adabraka, Osu, Ministries among other areas, clearly demonstrated the unadulterated love Ghanaians have for the Black Stars and soccer as whole.

For once, the euphoria could be described as a sign of national unity devoid of any political or tribal affiliation as football dominated discussions at homes and offices.

Though political discussions normally dominated early morning programmes on both radio and television, the case was different on Monday as all talks were about the Black Stars thus sparing listeners the monotony of passionate political debates.

Perhaps, this was influenced by the decision of most of the newspapers to preview the game and use banner headlines on their front pages instead any other political topics, since most radio programmes are influenced in the morning by headlines of the newpapers. It was a day, the whole nation seemed united in, in the red, gold, green and black colours in support of the Black Stars.

The euphoria really signified the nation's first ever historic appearance at the world cup, as Ghana was regarded as the sleeping giants of the continent following its persistent failure to book a place at the event, which is the greatest soccer fiesta on earth.

On the other hand, it was also a field day for dealers in replica jerseys and other souvenirs designed in the national colours. The items where in high demand, as people made every effort to get something that will identify them with the national team.

Dealers in the fake replica jerseys, as well as other items told the According to them, the occasion had increased their daily sales and profit margins as well and they prayed that, the Stars would record a victory over the Italians so as to increase their sales before subsequent games.

For many, the results will not be a bother to them, but the mere fact that Ghana has made it to the World Cup for the first time in its history was enough cause to rejoice.

However, Yaw Ampadu one of the sellers of replica jerseys was of the firm conviction that, the Stars could triumph over the Italians because "they have what it takes to achieve it."

The euphoria, which commenced in the early hours of Monday, vanished by 3:00 pm, as people were glued to their television sets hours before the commencement of the game.

By 4pm, the Tema Station, which is always busy in the evenings, was almost deserted. There was no hustle and bustle any more, as most people had decided to watch the game in the comfort of their homes and had left long before kick off..