AFCON 2017: Ayews power Ghana into semi-finals

Goals from brothers Jordan Ayew and Dede Ayew gave the Black Stars a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the third quarter-final match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. Played on Sunday at the Stade d’Oyem, the match pitched the winners of Group C, the Congolese, against the runners-up of Group D, the Ghanaians.

But it was the West Africans whose win gives them a record sixth successive semi-final appearance in Africa’s flagship tournament. The match began with an early scare in the 7th minute when the Stars’ defence failed to clear after a Harrison Afful header. But Hull City’s Dieurmerci Mbokani failed to hit the back of the net after beating Razak Braimah in post for Ghana.

The Stars, at the end of the first half, shaded possession. But it got messy in the second half with the Seychellois referee flashing the cards. Mubarak Wakaso, one of the players booked, won possession in midfield for Ghana in 63rd minute and found striker Jordan Ayew, who beat L. Matampi in post. But five minutes later, the two-time African champions took advantage of a lapse in concentration on the part of the Stars and Mpoku’s shot beat Braimah.

With the match heading to extra-time, Christian Atsu was fouled in the penalty area, giving the four-time champions an opportunity to lead again. Dede Ayew picked the ball and beat Matampi to score his second penalty and his second goal in the tourney. Coach Avram Grant curiously made no substitutions. Ghana will on Thursday play Cameroon for a place in the final.