Andre proud of World Cup form

One of the star performers of Ghana's World Cup campaign, Andre Ayew says he is proud with his displays in South Africa.

The 20-year old picked up the Man of the Match prize in the Black Stars' 2-1 win over the United States in the round of 16 clash after an impressive run of form.

Despite his failure to play in the quarter final match for been suspended against Uruguay due to his accumulation of two yellow cards, the youngster says he's left the tournament with "good and bad memories" but insists the players who represented their country have done themselves proud.

"I am leaving with good and bad memories because we did something great for Ghana but we could have done something even bigger for the continent," he told KickOffGhana.com.

"Overall though I am proud of what we have done. In the end luck was not on our side but we can all hold our head high."

Andre, son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele has witnessed a tremendous rise in stature since an unimpressive start for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup, then as 17 year-old.

But he's finally living up to his potential after leading Ghana to victory at the Under-20 World Cup and also playing a key role in the 2010 Nations Cup, where the Black Stars finished as runners-up.

"I needed to confirm that after a good tournament in Angola and a good Under-20 World Cup so I needed to confirm that I am good enough for the international stage.

"Personally it’s been a good tournament for me and I hope that I am progressing. I am just 20 and need to continue working hard".

Source: Ghanafa.org

Black Stars enjoy audience with Nelson Mandela

Sulley and Mandela

Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela has entertained the Ghana team in his Johannesburg home the day after their dramatic 2010 FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final defeat against Uruguay.

The meeting followed an earlier one with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and other members of the family at her Soweto house. Sowetans greeted the players with applause and cheers as they got off their bus, which bore a sign reading, “The Hope of Africa.”

Mr Mandela had sent a letter on Friday wishing the squad well for their match against Uruguay last night. The Ghanaian squad had earlier expressed the wish to visit the family to pass on their respects after the tragic passing of Madiba’s great grand-daughter, Zenani, on 11 July.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation commended the Ghana team after the visit. “They represented the continent well,” it said. “They can return home with their heads held high.”

Though suffering the pain of a penalty shoot-out defeat, the Black Stars’ run to the last eight captured the hearts of the African people in the first tournament to be held on the continent.

Source: FIFA.COM

Gyan rues unlucky night as Stars hand support

Asamoah Gyan is had a fantastic World Cup but his miss from the spot in the final second of extra time against Uruguay could be the talking point as Ghana exited from the competition via the penalty lottery.

The striker, so often the hero for the Black Stars could not hold back his tears with the South American side going on to win the dramatic game 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock scoreline over 120 minutes Friday night.

In the very last minute of extra time, Dominic Adiyiah headed what should have been the winner for Ghana but Suarez blocked with his hands as Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca awarded a penalty.

Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the shot but saw his last kick of the game go off the crossbar as the tie went into the penalty shootout which the South American nation won.

“I’ve nothing to say, you know? It’s part of the game,” Gyan said.

And in his opinion, Adiyiah’s header should have been given.

“The ball went in, it did cross the line, and the referee disallowed it,” he said. “If it was our day, the referee would have seen it and whistled as a goal. Everything is hard luck.”

Gyan, who scored three goals in the competition and picked up two Man of the Match prizes has received the backing of John Paintsil and goalkeeper Richard Kingson as both mates cheer on the striker and insist no blame laid at the doorstep of their leading scorer. 

“We have been talking to him about it. Obviously he is feeling very bad and it is not easy to forget it,” Paintsil said.

“As a team mate, we have to keep him with us, talk to him about it so that he can forget it as soon as possible.

“It is penalty, anyone can miss it. It is part of football. It is not a mistake, it is not a mistake at all. He kicked it from his heart. We all wanted to win the game but, yeah, we will pick it from there.”

For Kingson, he doesn’t expect Gyan to take any flak for the miss.

“No, there will be nothing like that,” Kingson said. “I had a message from my wife. She said everybody is happy now. We did our best and everybody is cheering him.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

Gyan anticipates tough U.S clash

Ghana are not just satisfied with their berth in the last16 as the Black Stars aim to go a step better than they did in 2006 in their debut World Cup.

Striker Asamoah Gyan, who has so far been Ghana’s only goal scorer at the competition in South Africa with two goals, both coming from the spot, is targeting victory against the United States, in a game that he anticipates to be difficult.

A win over the Americans, who Ghana defeated 2-1 in the final group stage match of the World Cup four years ago would see the Black Stars become the first African country after Cameroon and Senegal to make it to the last eight of the competition.

Gyan is aware of the task ahead but is very confident of Ghana’s chances against the U.S at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

"We are very happy (to have qualified), even if we wanted to have other African teams come through as well," said Gyan. 

"We are on the right path and we are representing our continent, which makes us very happy.

"The Americans, though, are a very good team, they expend a lot of energy and are strong physically. But we too have good players, it is for that that we have so much self-confidence." 

Source: Ghanafa.org

Statement: GFA speaks on Sulley Muntari attitude

Press Statement

The Ghana Football Association confirms that player Sulley Muntari is still a member of the Black Stars team at the World Cup in South Africa.

We wish to state that Sulley Muntari reacted angrily and in a manner that was offensive to the team’s Code of Conduct in the aftermath of Ghana’s game against Australia on the 19th June 2010 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

He was accordingly reprimanded for his behaviour with the player explaining that, his actions were borne out of his frustration by the team’s inability to record a win.

Sulley has since recognised his misconduct and apologised to the Management, technical team and playing body of the Black Stars.

The player has also reiterated his commitment and loyalty to the team and his readiness to play and give off his utmost best to the team.


Source: Ghanafa.org

No pressure on Kevin against Germany

Milovan Rajevac believes the controversy that followed Kevin-Prince Boateng's unfortunate tackle on Michael Ballack will not affect the Ghanaian in the clash against the Germans at the World Cup.

Boateng's attempted tackle left Ballack with an ankle injury during the English FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Chelsea and it cost the Germany captain his place at the World Cup.

Ahead of the potential knockout match against a German side which includes Boateng’s junior brother, Jerome, Rajevac insists the Black Stars midfielder has put the incident behind him. 

“I was in London to watch the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Chelsea and I think the injury to Michael Ballack was not intentional. It’s become a big story but there are not enough reasons for that,” Rajevac said on Sunday.

The 23 year-old player, a former German youth international secured a nationality swap to enable him play for Ghana and is expected to be available for the game against the Germans at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium on Wednesday.

Milovan Rajevac explains that the Ghana player would be freed from the tensions that such situations come with.

“We talk to him and he’s preparing for the match. It’s our responsibility to prepare him for such a game. He’s a professional and he would be ready.”

Ghana goes into the final group game with four points and on top of the table in Group D, one better than Germany.

Source: Ghanafa.org

Ayew enjoying African support

Ghana still stands out as Africa’s best bet at the World Cup with the rest of the continent’s representatives struggling to keep hopes alive. The Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Serbia on June 13 remains the only win secured by an African side at the competition so far and it’s given the continent hope of an African success as the likes of Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Ivory Coast and hosts South Africa all chase their first win after a set of disappointing results. For Andre Ayew, the Black Stars are enjoying massive support which compares to playing back home in Ghana. He says the team will continue to give off their best in their remaining group matches to make the continent proud. “It [game against Serbia] felt like we were playing in Ghana,” said Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew.  “We had that feeling that the people were behind us, they wanted us to succeed and we are going to try to make them proud,” he said. For the many fans, especially South Africans, despite the setbacks, they would be cheering every African team in support of the continent. “We don’t care which one—we want any African team to win the World Cup,” said South African fan Ali Chauke who is backing Ghana. “They say football unites a nation—here it is uniting a continent,” said Nigerian fan Ugonoma Ezulike.  Most fans said either Ghana or Ivory Coast would be the most likely teams to realise the African dream. Source: Ghanafa.org

Andre Ayew happy to fight for the team

Andre Ayew appears to be maturing game after game after another assured performance in Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Serbia.

Critics slammed the 20 year-old during his debut for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup for his inconsistent performances.

The youngster, son of Ghana legend, Abedi Pele has shown great signs of finally stepping out his father’s shadow to become a fine player in his own right.

Having played impressive roles, helping Ghana become the first African side to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup and runners up at 2010 African Nations Cup, the attacking midfielder insists that nothing has changed about his approach to the game.

“Nothing has changed about my approach to the game. I try to give my best everything. I was 17 at the time but now, I am 20. I have had time to progress,” Andre says as he talks about the gradual rise he has enjoyed his career.

“I always give 100% to the team. And I would be fighting for the team. The important thing it to stick to the coaches instructions and work for the team.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

World Cup fans executed in Somalia

Islamic miliants have executed two Somali football fans for watching Nigeria play Argentina on Saturday night.

The deaths happened in Central Somalia which is under strict Islamic law and forbids anyone in the region from watching World Cup matches.

Militants from Hizbul Islam arrested 10 fans who were also part of the group.

A further 30 people were arrested for watching the Australia vs Germany game the following night.

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Aros, a spokesman for the militants, said that, "We are warning all the youth of Somalia not to dare watch these World Cup matches." He said that the people of Somalia should focus on pursuing jihad and not, "watching mad men jump up and down."

Hizbul Islam had previously invited Osama bin Laden to Somalia.


Source: Yahoo sports

Essien Weeps……As He Visits Colleagues In Camp

Grief-stricken Michael Essien has wished the Black Stars good luck in their preparations towards the World Cup finals in South Africa. The midfielder, who has been ruled out of next month’s competition after failing to recover from a knee injury, made an appearance at Ghana’s training camp in Paris.

Essien, who was in tears after a meeting between Ghana officials and some personnel from Chelsea over his injury situation, has since left the camp.

Ghana Football Association Spokesman, Randy Abbey, said it was an emotional scene at the team’s camp. “At the meeting, Michael Essien reiterated his commitment to the Black Stars and explained how he wished to have been part of the team preparing for the World Cup. “It was an emotional moment for him as he made his way upstairs to see his colleagues.

He visited every member of the squad in their rooms and wished them well. “Essien was close to tears,” Abbey said, adding that “after meeting with his teammates, he made his way out of the camp as he would be heading back to London to continue with his rehabilitation.”

Abbey said no decision had been taken yet, over whether Essien would be in South Africa in any capacity with Ghana. “We haven’t gotten to that state yet. No decision has been taken as to whether he will be there (World Cup) in any capacity. For now, the most important thing is to allow him to continue with his recovery programme which we are very concerned about.”

Meanwhile, Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajavac, has sent out a consoling and rallying cry to his players after the loss of influential midfielder, Michael Essien’s absence, and the Serbian Manager admits it is a blow to their aspirations. “I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player,” a broken Rajavac said. “He is an important player on and off field, but we can’t use him this time.

“Essien brings lots of advantages; he brings so many things to the team and always gives us options. “It’s most unfortunate. But I hope and believe that the other players would give of their best.”

Despite the absence of Essien, Rajevac says unity and hard work would make the Black Stars prevail in a difficult tournament. “We want to achieve with the team and must work hard. We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup,” the Serbian said.

“I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate, will help us stay united and fight for each other. Ghana will play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the tournament.

Michael Essien, after a review of his injury, is not expected to make full recovery until the end of July. He has been recovering from a knee injury picked up during training at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.


Source: The Ghanaian Times

US warns of World Cup terrorism in South Africa

The US government has issued a travel alert warning its citizens that South Africa faces a heightened risk of terrorism during the World Cup.

It says that large-scale public events present an attractive target.
"There is a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within South Africa in the near future," the US state department said.

The warning came as US President Barack Obama wished the the American World Cup football team good luck.

"I just want to say how incredibly proud we are of the team," said Mr Obama, who was joined by former President Bill Clinton to give the players a presidential send-off at the White House in Washington.

"Everybody's going to be rooting for you," he said.
"And although sometimes we don't remember it here in the United States, this is going to be the biggest world stage there is."

In a statement, the state department said it had no information on any specific, credible threat during the tournament, but noted that such threats have been reported in the media.

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South Africa has mobilised thousands of specially trained police to deal with fans' safety.
Some 350,000 people are expected to visit South Africa for the World Cup, which is being held in Africa for the first time and starts on 11 June.

Source: BBC

Glo pull out threats, potential Ghana-Nigeria trade war?

The recent threats by mobile operator, Glo, to quit the country, appear to be sparking a potential trade war between Ghana and Nigeria.


This follows a publication in the Nigerian newspaper, Business Daily linking Glo’s frustrations to what Nigerian traders say is a grand scheme by the government to clamp down on their businesses in Ghana.


The President of the Nigerian Union of Traders in Ghana, Jasper Amenike alleged in the publication of a concerted effort between the Ministry of Trade and the Ghana Investment Promotion Council to ensure that Nigerian businesses do not succeed.

Mr. Amenike further cited the shutdown of 83 shops belonging to Nigerian traders in the past seven months with 550 others expected to follow soon.

Glo’s threat to pullout, Amenike noted, was a confirmation of government’s anti-Nigerian stance.

At the heart of the traders’ complaint however, is a clause in Ghana’s Investment code requiring all foreigners interested in engaging in the retail trade to have a minimum capital of at least $300,000.

They say this is in violation of the ECOWAS protocol on free trade and movement of people.

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According to the publication, a top level Nigerian delegation to Ghana on Monday led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry was unable to workout an amicable solution.

Officials of the Trade Ministry approached by Joy Business were yet to comment on the matter.

Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

France beat Turkey and Italy to stage Euro 2016

Uefa president Michel Platini announces France's victory

France have beaten Turkey and Italy for the right to stage the European Championship in 2016.

France previously staged the tournament in 1960 and were hosts again in 1984, winning it with a team captained by Michel Platini, the Uefa president.

The French, hosts and winners of the 1998 World Cup, beat Turkey by just a single vote after Italy were eliminated in the first round of voting.

Euro 2016 will feature 24 countries playing 51 matches over one month.

"This is a beautiful day for us," said Jean-Pierre Escalettes, president of the French Football Federation.

"It is a moment of intense emotion to know that in 2016 France will welcome European football and will fulfil its promises.

"What counts for us is to have the full confidence of Uefa and this trust will not be betrayed.

"We also understand the frustration of Italy and Turkey - particularly Turkey, who lost by a single vote after bidding for a third time."

Turkey rejected the suggestion that it represented a risky option after being pipped 7-6 in the final round of voting.

"We are devastated. This was our third bid so it is not much consolation to know that we lost by a small margin," said Turkey's Euro 2016 bid manager Orhan Gorbon.

"Losing is one thing but it is an underestimation of Turkey to say it was not capable of hosting a larger tournament.

"I don't understand why France should be seen as the safe option."

Platini admitted the contest had put him in a difficult situation - he is French, but of Italian descent and enjoyed his best playing years at Juventus.

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"It was not an easy situation for me - I am French, my name is Italian and I have many friends in Turkey. But Uefa has proved once again that we have democracy."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former national team star Zinedine Zidane supported their country's case in a presentation to Uefa's ruling executive in Geneva on Friday.

The French government has pledged to help guarantee the projected 1.7bn euro (£1.45bn) cost of building and renovating stadiums despite the worldwide economic problems.

"When I spoke to the French Football Federation, we asked ourselves whether we wanted to be candidates in the middle of a crisis," he told the ceremony during the French presentation.

"But sport is an answer to the crisis. It is because we are in a crisis that we need sport. Nothing is more powerful than sport and, within sport, nothing is more powerful that football."

France's winning bid for 2016 consisted of 12 venues - the Stade de France where France defeated Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, Paris Saint Germain's Parc des Princes, Lens, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Saint Etienne and Nancy.

Zidane spoke of being a young fan in the Marseille stadium watching Platini's extra-time goal carry France past Portugal in a classic semi-final in 1984.

"That is the type of experience I want to live again," said Zidane. "Winning is beautiful but it's great to see all the people in the streets partying. This is what I would like to give my children."

Platini added: "It was a very narrow decision - the work done by all three federations was outstanding, and I would like to congratulate the French.

"It has been a complicated situation from the outset and I believe there is a sigh of relief from French football, and they can now upgrade all their stadia to make them up to the same standard as other countries in Europe."

Turkey were bidding to host their first major football tournament while Italy's chances had been written off after a critical review of their bid following Uefa's inspection visits.

Problems and delays in Poland and Ukraine, who will jointly host Euro 2012, may have persuaded Uefa's executive committee to avoid choosing Turkey, an untried country.

"We all did our best," said Turkey President Abdullah Gul, who had called on Uefa to take a "historic decision" and help bring Turkey, which has a Muslim majority, closer to the heart of Europe. "We are saddened that it was lost by one point."

The 2016 event will feature 24 countries for the first time, up from 16 in 2012, as France becomes the first country to stage the European Championship three times.

Source: BBC

Boateng: Bad boy label is a burden

Kevin-Prince Boateng has ridden a metaphorical roller-coaster this season. On the up-side, his club Portsmouth defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final, where they fell narrowly to Chelsea. On the down-side, the midfielder and his team-mates bade farewell to the English top flight after being docked nine points for entering administration.
The player, who insists he has moved on from the bad boy image beloved of the media, is now focusing all his attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 23-year-old was born in Berlin but has opted to play for Ghana, and in an ironic twist of fate, he is now set to face his country of birth at the finals.
The eagerly-awaited group fixture has even more of an edge to it now, after Boateng’s challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™. Interviewed by FIFA.com, former Germany junior international Boateng spoke about his reputation, assessed Ghana’s chances in South Africa, and named his favourites for the global showdown.
FIFA.com: Kevin, you’ve faced a storm of criticism for the foul which put Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the FIFA World Cup. You’re still a young player, so how have you coped?
Kevin-Prince Boateng: Let me say first of all how sorry I am that Michael can’t play at the World Cup. I never meant to hurt him, and I apologised to him on the spot. It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start. These things amuse you as an 18-year-old. But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now. The media have given me this tag and they just sit and wait for me to do something stupid. But the people who know me realise I’m not like that. The most important things to me are my family and football, and I hope I can rid myself of this bad boy reputation over time.
Turning to football, let’s have a look back over your career to date, which began in Berlin.
When I was a little kid, I played in the Berlin streets with my brothers and my dad. I started at Hertha when I was just seven. I played for all the youth teams and eventually signed as a pro. I had a few problems at the start, mainly due to the pace and the hard tackling, but I was lucky enough to be playing alongside some really helpful older players. Niko Kovac, Dick van Burik and Fredi Bobic gave me a lot of support. I’m still really grateful to those guys.
At just 20, you switched to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Why did you opt for the Premier League?I became personally unhappy in Berlin, so I wanted to change clubs. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur both came in for me, and at the end of the day I opted for Spurs, because I’d always wanted to play in the Premier League.

"It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start... But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now."

Kevin-Prince Boateng on the Michael Ballack controversy

It didn’t work out in north London though and you only made a handful of appearances, so you went out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.It was a difficult time for me. Spurs boss Martin Jol told me he thought I was a good player, but there was no place for me in his system, so I lost a year-and-a-half when I hardly played. By contrast, I had a very positive time in Dortmund. I had six terrific months there. I fitted in really well with the club, the coach and the team.
You maintained your good form for Portsmouth last season. Were you satisfied with yourself?You can always do better, but I had a decent season and learned a lot. We gave it everything we had as a team, and I’m really upset about what’s happened to the club. I’ve yet to think through my future at club level. I have two more years on my contract, but I’m concentrating totally on South Africa now. We’ll see what happens after that. But obviously, the eyes of the world are on the World Cup, so it can always be a showcase for a player.
You played for Germany as a youth, but you’re a member of the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What are the reasons behind your choice?I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn’t prepared to forgive me and I wouldn’t be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I’ve made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart.
Ghana have landed in a tough group. How would you rate Germany, Serbia and Australia?I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I’m convinced we can spring a surprise.
On 23 June, you’re very likely to face your country of birth and probably your brother too, as he’s in the Germany squad.Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter.
This is the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. What does it mean for the African people?This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I’m expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa’s looking forward to the finals.
Finally, who are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup?Côte d’Ivoire are there or thereabouts. They have a superstar in almost every position. They’ve again been drawn in a tough group, but the time has come for them to make their mark. All their players are at top European clubs. If they can play well as a team, they could go a long way. Spain are also very strong contenders, and I see them in the final. And you can never discount Brazil and Germany.

Source: FIFA.COM

Man arrested for calling Ghanaian president chimpanzee

President Atta Mills

An NPP activist has been arrested for questioning by the police in Kumasi for insulting President John Evans Atta Mills.

The man who goes by the name High Priest described the president’s face as that of a “chimpanzee” during a radio discussion on a Kumasi-based station, Foxx FM on Monday.

The man whose real name is not immediately known is said to be a French teacher at an Islamic School at Akwatia Line in Kumasi.

Panelists on the morning show programme are reported to have prevailed upon High Priest to withdraw the comment but he refused, following which some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress marched to the radio station ostensibly to attack him.

They were only stopped by security at the station before the arrival of the police to escort him to the Regional Police command.


More soon.


Story by Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Report: Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City Eye £46 million Swoop For Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Barcelona superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a £46 million switch to Manchester United, Chelsea or Manchester City after David Villa's arrival at the Nou Camp.

The Catalan giants have agreed a £34.2 million deal with Valencia to bring the lethal centre forward to the club. Sport has reported this has pushed Ibrahimovic towards the Premier League as Barcelona look to balance the books.

United have been linked all summer with a move for a top-line centre forward to support Wayne Rooney. City's billions and the presence of Ibrahimovic's ex-Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini makes them a possible destination, while Chelsea are in the market for a "marquee signing".

Ibrahimovic has struggled to win over the fans at the Nou Camp since his £60 million move last summer. Despite grabbing 21 goals in all competitions, he could be forced out after just one campaign.

Fifa admit World Cup sales in Africa 'poor'

   Mr Valcke previously said the event was a "real African World Cup"

A senior Fifa official has said he was "disappointed" by the number of World Cup tickets sold to fans in African countries.

Jerome Valcke said only 40,000 tickets have been sold in countries in the continent outside of South Africa.
The football body has faced criticism for not making tickets accessible to Africans, as most tickets were being sold via the internet.
It is the first time the World Cup is being held on African soil.
'Priced out' Mr Valcke - who has previously billed the event as a "real African World Cup" - said that African sales were "poor" and that Fifa would have to re-think its strategy towards Brazil, hosts of the 2014 Cup.
"It's really not a lot of tickets when you think that we have so many African countries playing in the World Cup," he said at a press event in South Africa.
"The system that we put in place was not perfect for South Africa and for Africa".
He said that there were also difficulties in air travel from one African country to South Africa.
South African Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk said on Tuesday that the figures were 76% less than those forecasted for the event.
He said that only 11,300 people in Africa made ticket purchases, out of a total of 230,000 foreign fans.
In March, Mr Valcke denied that Africans were being priced out of tournaments.
While tickets in South Africa were offered at a lower price, fans in other African countries had to pay the standard amount - with the cheapest costing $80 (£54).
Critics also said that many Africans would face difficulties accessing the internet, or might not have a credit card to make purchases online.
Over 2.5 million tickets have been sold out of 3 million available for the World Cup, which begins in three weeks.
More than a million have been bought by South Africans.

Source: BBC