Ghana 2-1 South Africa: Player ratings

Ghana’s Black Stars began this game very much on the front foot and indeed, perhaps Jordan Ayew should have scored early on, but the defence of South Africa held very firm.

Eventually, Bafana Bafana came into the game, but the goal came completely out of the blue. Some might argue that Razak Braimah was not well positioned and that is why he failed to deal with the ball, but I think Mhlandhla Masongo rather needs to be credited with quick thinking.

I must confess that my heart was in my mouth when Daniel Amartey went off injured to be replaced by John Boye, but it soon became apparent that Boye was on a mission.

Massively maligned after kissing a wad of dollar notes during the World Cup and scoring an own goal the day after, he wasn’t exactly the flavor of the month where Avram Grant was concerned, but he was to prove pivotal in Ghana’s comeback.

More on him later, but Mubarak Wakaso fully justified why he was given a start. He had responsibility for all set pieces, but he also tackled and won the ball well in central midfield and passed well too. It was a testament to his qualities that Afriyie Acquah, who was also impressive, was taken off and not him.

Christian Atsu had an improved game from the one against Algeria and did his best to aid the attack, especially in the second half. Andre Ayew started slowly but improved considerably in the second half, culminating in that winning goal.

Jordan Ayew had just about an average game, but his lack of aggression left Asamoah Gyan a little isolated.

Gyan himself did not have the best of games, but his reputation meant that Eric Mathoho was never far away.

Full backs Harrison Afful and Baba Rahman had excellent games; tirelessly crossing and tracking back and all in all, it was a testament to the resilience of the Black Stars that Ghana won the game.

Jonathan Mensah also had a good game at the back, but in fairness it was all Ghana in the second half.

The way and manner in which Boye took his goal was a lovely sight to behold. Indeed, Gyan would have been proud of such a strike.

Boye was also impressive in defence for the time he spent on the pitch and perhaps being kept out of the starting line up was the proverbial kick up the backside he needed.

The redemption story was complete and coupled with a few important interceptions, if Amartey should recover, Grant will have a headache as to who to field alongside Jonathan Mensah in the quarterfinal.

Avram Grant also needs to be credited for the changes he made in the second half because the equalizer arrived three minutes after Agyemang Badu and Appiah came on.

Overall, Ghana is developing into a tournament team; with little improvements in each game and every squad member contributing something. Only time will tell whether Grant can take the Black Stars all the way but on this evidence, Ghana cannot be ruled out at all.

Ghana ratings

Razak Braimah (6/10) – Harrison Afful (7/10), Daniel Amartey (6/10)/John Boye (7/10), Jonathan Mensah (7/10), Baba Rahman (7.5/10) – Christian Atsu (7/10), Afriyie Acquah (6.5/10)/Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (5.5/10), Mubarak Wakaso (8/10), Andre Ayew (7.5/10) – Jordan Ayew (6/10)/Kwesi Appiah (6/10), Asamoah Gyan (6/10)

My man of the match: Mubarak Wakaso