Draw still ‘win for Ghana’ at FIFA World Cup watch party in St. John’s

Draw still ‘win for Ghana’ at FIFA World Cup watch party in St. John’s

Fans cheered and danced as Ghana tied England 0-0 Tuesday evening

When the clock stopped on a 0-0 draw, the eruption of joy from Ghana fans in St. John’s could have been mistaken for World Cup victory against England.

“To me it's a win,” said Erica Fekaa, celebrating and dancing after the game on Tuesday.

“To draw with England is a win for Ghana.”

Fekka and her three daughters were among the crowd rooting for Ghana at the Amomos Bistro watch party in St. John’s. Throughout the tight match, a buzzing room of yellow and white jerseys erupted in cheers, screams and applause for Ghana’s saves and chances on net.

“People thought we were going to lose. So I’m happy at least we got 0-0,” said Ella Amoah, who noted fans were scared going against England.

“We are so proud of them, especially our goalkeeper, he did really well,” said her sister, Ama Amoah.

Fans have filled Amomos, the new Ghanaian-owned restaurant, for both of Ghana's World Cup games — including huge celebrations for the country's 1-0 victory against Panama last week.

Rows of flags from different countries hang from the ceiling and soccer balls adorn the room.

Co-owners Alfred Amoah and Marigold Frimpong are originally from Ghana, and wanted to create a space to bring people together.

Amoah said there’s a big and “vibrant” Ghanaian community in St. John’s.

“To be honest, we didn't realize that there were this many Ghanaians,” said Frimpong, who says Newfoundland has a “family feeling” that’s similar to Ghana.

Ghanaian fans talked about how important soccer is in the country.

“The way Canadians see hockey is the same way that Ghanaians see football,” said Titi Ofoe, who travelled to Toronto to see Ghana’s win in the first match.

Gilbert Yeboah moved to St. John’s from Ghana a few years ago and wanted to watch the match among friends.

“It’s a game we cherish so much. So this means a lot for us," he said before the game.

Ghana plays Croatia on Saturday in their final match of the group stage.

"Our next one we're gonna win, 100 per cent," said Ama Amoah.

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Laura Howells is a reporter and radio producer in St. John's. She's worked in Toronto, Hamilton and Whitehorse. Get in touch at laura.howells@cbc.ca.