Referee Olegario Benquerenca from Portugal will be the man in charge of the Africa versus South America battle of Soccer City today. However he is not a concern for Black Stars players here in Johannesburg who are relaxed but highly pumped up and motivated. Vigilance is at a peak and security as tight as I have ever seen ahead of this evening's quarter final encounter. Even FA officials seem to be putting in their extra bit to ensure zero tolerance for any external distractions that may upset the finely tuned preparations. Team manager Opoku Afriyie has been on the prowl at the hotel lobby observing everything that moves through the entrance like a hunter. ''Last days are dangerous'' is the chorus of caution that has warranted the high alert. In a brief chat with Captain Stephen Appiah last night, the 29-year-old made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians, Africans and those who still believe in the African dream of lifting the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The Bologna midfielder admitted that he is blessed to be still playing football after his 20-month injury nightmare and has appealed for ''special prayers and fasting'' for the team. "We know what this match means to Ghanaians but we also understand that we are playing for the whole of Africa as well and we can do it with their support and special prayers." Ghana versus Uruguay has captured the headlines here in South Africa. That is not an easy feat considering the other mouthwatering encounters on offer like Germany versus Argentina and Brazil versus Holland. From Jamaica to Saudi Arabia and North Africa to Oceania, the goodwill messages continue to pour in for Ghana. The captain of Bafana Bafana Aaron Mokoena breezed into the team hotel with the Group Chief Executive Officer of SABC Mr Solley Mokoewete to show their support and appreciation to the team. Joined by Aziz Haruna who represented Ghanaian supporters, the goodwill flag was presented to Stephen Appiah and GFA President. The former Accra Hearts of Oak and Juventus midfield battler believes football history is about to be made but stressed ''This is the biggest match for me and the team and we know it will not be easy at all but we are ready for battle.'' With the goodwill Ghana flag draped around his neck, Appiah conceded that the match could rewrite soccer history and change the lives of millions the world over. The flag started its journey in the Ghanaian capital Accra and has now finally reached its destination with hundreds of thousands of signatures including that of President Mills, Caf President Issa Hayatou, former SA President Thabo Mbeki and celebrities such as the Marley brothers and even coach Carlos Alberto Pareira who handled the Black Stars and Kotoko in the late 1960's. The current mood and tone here is a far cry from much publicized internal wrangling and alleged ''confusion'' in camp which seem to be issues of the past that were blown out of proportion. If anything, the ripples have made the team stronger. ''We are family and even families fight but the most important thing is for us to come together when we represent our nation'' Ghana is on the verge of becoming the first African side to reach the last four but a Uruguay win would take them through to their first semi-final since 1970. The South Americans are slight favourites going into the match with Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez confirming his line up as early as Wednesday. Mauricio Victorino will replace centre-back Diego Godin, who picked up a thigh injury against South Korea. Alvaro Fernandez will also come in for Alvaro Perreira in midfield. Isaac Vorsah could be a surprise inclusion to boost the Stars defence but with Dede Ayew and Johnathan Mensah out through suspension, their replacements would have to work just as hard to negate their absence. This is the moment Ghana, Africa and the world has been waiting for. May the best team win and may the best team be the Black Stars of Ghana. An exclusive report by Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah from Parktonian Hotel, Braamfontein, SA. (Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah is also the creator of SA 2010 Fans Diaries on etv SA & Ghana)