Johannesburg - Former president Nelson Mandela met Ghana's national soccer team on Saturday, his foundation said.

"Nelson Mandela was introduced to members of the Black Stars football team and their manager, coach and technical team at his house in Houghton this afternoon," said Nelson Mandela Foundation spokesperson Sello Hatang.

The team had earlier met with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and her family at her Soweto home, he said.

Mandela had sent a letter wishing the squad well for their match against Uruguay on Friday night.

He said Ghana represented the continent well and although they did not qualify for the semi-finals they could return home with their heads held high.

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