Waving flags, whistling and shouting support, small crowds of fans gathered to watch large screens on Oxford Street, a bustling thoroughfare in the busy Osu area of central Accra.

A fan of Ghana waits for the start of the Group E World Cup 2006 soccer match between Ghana and Italy in Hanover.[Reuters]

Others watched the game at home or congregated -- wearing red, yellow and green hats and bandanas -- around television screens in roadside bars or "spots" to watch the Group E game being played in the German city of Hanover.

Hopes in Accra had been high for the Black Stars' prospects as the four-time Nations Cup winners sought to become the first African country to win a match at the 2006 World Cup.

Italy scored five minutes before halftime through Andrea Pirlo although that did not dampen the shrieks, sighs and screams from the Ghanaians that greeted every missed chance.

However, when Vincenzo Iaquinta scored Italy's second goal late in the game the noise died down and one fan cried out: "Ghana you are gone".

DEBUT NERVES

Disappointed supporters blamed first-match nerves for their loss to the more experienced Italian side.

With a painted face, a bandana and flag draped on her shoulders, Grace Opinta said: "The next match we can do something. We haven't done it before, this was our first time, we will try our best to win."

Many remain confident the Black Stars can redeem themselves in their next game against Czech Republic on Saturday and their final first round match versus the United States on June 22.

Zinetu Adamu, a trader said: "I feel disappointed. I don't understand, we tried our best to score. This match (midfielder Michael) Essien disappointed us. We can still do better when we play the Czechs. By God's grace, we will score then."

Taxi driver Seth Teye added: "They played very well. They made some mistakes. We have to accept it, we expected at least one nil, or maybe a draw. This Czech game we are going to win."

The West African country, which sees itself as Africa's answer to Brazil, can still deliver a shock, waiter Tamatey Philip said.

"I feel disappointed but I know this is our first appearance in the World Cup and I know we can do better. By the spirit of our motherland, we shall surprise the world," he said.