New York Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani has shared a heartfelt revelation about the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match between Ghana and Uruguay, admitting that he cried when Luis Suarez stopped a goal-bound header from Ghana in the dying moments of extra time.
Mamdani, who was in attendance at the FNB Stadium in South Africa, recalled the dramatic scene during an appearance on *The Adams Friedland Show*. As the match was tied 1-1 and heading into the final moments of extra time, Ghana launched one last attack with a header from Dominic Adiyiah. The ball appeared destined for the net, but in a desperate move, Suarez, in a moment of recklessness, slapped the ball away with his hands—an act typically reserved for a goalkeeper.
The incident denied Ghana the chance to make history as the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Asamoah Gyan, who had the opportunity to score from the resulting penalty, missed, and Ghana ultimately lost the penalty shootout.
Mamdani, recalling his emotional reaction, said, “I was at the Ghana-Uruguay game. That’s where I cried in public. Yeah, Luis Suarez [sighs],” he added, trailing off. “It was the closest...” before being interrupted by the show’s host.
The host, Adam, responded with a mix of disbelief and humor, exclaiming, “Asamoah Gyan. Dude, I can’t… Guys, this is like… The mayor caring about soccer is… The mayor caring about Arsenal is like Wakanda for me.”
Mamdani’s connection to Ghana is deeply personal. Although born in Uganda to Indian parents, he was named "Kwame" in honor of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, by his father. Mamdani spent his early years in Kampala before moving to Cape Town, South Africa, when his father took a position at the University of Cape Town. The family eventually settled in New York City when Mamdani was seven years old.
Mamdani, who was elected as New York City’s mayor on November 4, 2025, is now preparing to take office with a unique international perspective, shaped by his African and global ties.
Source: theghanareport.com
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