Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan said Friday the African teams at the World Cup will be representing not just themselves but the entire continent.

Gyan, who plays for French club Rennes, had no qualms admitting he was supporting host South Africa against Mexico on Friday, and that he would also root for Nigeria, Algeria and the Ivory Coast in their campaigns.

"If Ghana is playing and other African countries aren't I am sure they will support us, and if we are not playing I have to support the other African teams," Gyan told The Associated Press. "Players don't feel they are representing a country but a whole continent."

Midfielder Sulley Muntari, though, fears that could be a burden.

"We have added pressure playing in Africa," said Muntari, who won the treble with Inter Milan last season. "But knowing we have all Africans behind us can make us very strong mentally because this is where we are from and we want to make our continent happy."

Ghana was the only African team to reach the second round of the 2006 World Cup and begins on Sunday against Serbia.

"They are a strong side because they topped their group with France," Gyan said. "It's not going to be an easy group but will make sure we will qualify for the next stage."

But Ghana, which also faces Germany and Australia in Group D, is still reeling from the loss of Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien because of a knee injury.

"He is a massive player for us - we will miss him a lot - it is natural," Muntari said. "The only thing now is to make him proud and to (play) good football and win. I hope he comes here. It would be good thing to have him here and we stay together."

The Black Stars looked relaxed at the Mogwase Stadium where they are now training after moving to Sun City from Pretoria. Training ends with all the players singing in a huddle on the pitch.

Back at their hotel on Friday they were happily mingling with tourists and playing table football in the lobby.

"You saw at practice everybody is happy," Gyan said. "We are relaxed - that is how we are - that is how we psych ourselves. We have quality players and we were the first time to qualify for the World Cup (from Africa). The confidence is there and we are ready to play."

At the back of Gyan's mind is knowing the eyes of the world - and rival clubs - will be focused on South Africa for the next month, making it a shop window for talent.

The striker scored three of Ghana's four goals earlier this year in Angola en route to the African Cup of Nations final, which Egypt won.

"What I am ready to do is help my country go further and I am not thinking about any clubs looking to buy me, but if I do well and any other club is interested then why not?" the 24-year-old Gyan said. "They have to talk to my club and discuss and see what happens. It is my dream to play in England. Now I am young but one day I know I'm going to be there.

"I support Manchester United - I started supporting Manchester when I was a baby - so I think that is my club."

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