Ghana secure semi-final place as they beat Guinea 3-0

The Black Stars of Ghana beat the Syli National of Guinea in a fierce quarter-final clash of the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 at the Estadio de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

The game kicked off at 1600 GMT and recorded two goals off the foot of Christian Atsu and a goal from new entrant to the Black Stars, Kwesi Appiah.

Ghana took the lead in just four minutes of play when Christian Atsu slotted in a back heel pass from Andre Ayew behind the Guinean keeper. Six minutes after Ghana’s goal was the only golden chance for Guinea to equalise but Traore couldn’t get it into the post.

Kwesi Appiah who had a very good day in the game topped it up in the 44th minute with a goal when Fofana set the ball for him in a failed clearance attempt at the mouth of the Guinean goal.

The second half got heated with lots of dangerous tackles from the losing Guineans who were full of agitation.

Their desperation worsened in the 61st minute when Christian Atsu doubled his goal opportunity with a spectacular goal curled beyond the keeper into the top corner of the post.

Five yellow cards and a red card, all in the books of the Guinean team and the latter was showed to the Guinean goalie who took out Gyan in a dirty tackle in the 4th minute of extra time.

Rabiu Mohammed almost took advantage of the Ayew free kick off the Gyan foul to put another one behind the net for Ghana but time was far spent.

This game continued the unbeaten record of Ghana at the hands of Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations competition.

In the post-match press conference, Ghana coach Avram Grant expressed contentment with the performance of his team.

He said they got better after each game which is a sign they are doing something right. On their chances against Equatorial Guinea in their next semi-final game, he said they are focusing on their strengths despite studying the play of the host nation.

Christian Atsu believed the winning mentality of the Black Stars got them to win the game against Guinea. He refrained from pointing out his performance in this game as his best leaving the judgement to the fans.

The Black Stars will play hosts Equatorial Guinea in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2015.