Soccer News of Wednesday, 28 January 2015
Source: El-Amisty Nobo ([email protected])
Andre Ayew’s late header was enough to secure Ghana a qualification birth to the quarter-finals of the 2015 AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea as the Black Stars came from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1 at the Stade de Mongomo.
The Marseille winger’s goal is a reminiscent of the one that his father, Abedi Ayew Pele scored twenty years ago in Senegal when Ghana eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria to reach the finals.
It was Bafana Bafana’s Mandla Masango who broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when he ballooned a magnificent strike from 25 yards to tease Razak Braimah in post for the Black Stars.
The South African’s nearly extended their lead just before the half, but Black Stars goalie, Razak Braimah parried away Bongani Ndulula’s powerful header from a close range.
Ghana pulled parity in the 73rd minute through substitute John Boye, who pounced on Andre Ayew’s shot with a touch of gold before driving it underneath South Africa goalie, Khuzwayo.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, the son of the African football legend, Andre Ayew rose above everybody in the 83rd minute to meet Abdul Rahman’s left wing cross with the back of his soft shaved head to give Ghana the lead.
The result meant that the Black Stars topped Group C and qualifies alongside Algeria who defeated Senegal 2-0 in the other match of the group and will come face-to-face with the team that will emerge as runner up in Group D.
Full Results
Ghana 2-1 South Africa
Algeria 2-0 Senegal
Standings
Ghana 6
Algeria 6
Senegal 4
South Africa 3
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