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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

The African village that worships Paul McGrath and Aston Villa

A small village in Ghana has more than 1,000 passionate Aston Villa fans and they describe Paul McGrath as the God of football.

Between 10% and 20% of the population in Juaben village are estimated to support the Birmingham club, who the Republic of Ireland legend played over 250 games for.

The Ghana Lions meet every Sunday morning at 5 o'clock and run around the village chanting about Villa.

Owusu Boakye told the BBC: "My grandpa used to tell us more stories and history about Aston Villa.

"He told me that there's a God in football and his name is Paul McGrath."

He added:"Every Sunday morning we come together around 5 o'clock in the morning.

"We jog around the town passing through all the streets in the town, making some noise.

"If Villa is playing around 2pm we are all going to meet and watch the game."

There was a huge celebration in the town when Dean Smith's side avoided relegation last season.

(Birmingham Post and Mail Archive)

Owusu revealed: "The whole town, everybody was very, very happy.

"That is why I poured powder on my head, it signifies victory.

"It was amazing. We were yelling with excitement.

"It is one of our best moments in life, yes. What a day it was.

"Next season, in the league table we are going to be on the eighth or seventh position because we deserve to play in Europe.

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