Despite surrendering top spot to Egypt following a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Pharaohs, Ghana coach Avram Grant insists he was impressed with the performance of his side on Wednesday at the Stade de Port-Gentil.
The Israeli trainer hailed the team’s display despite making four changes to the starting line-up that defeated Uganda and Mali to secure qualification to the quarter-finals.
Samuel Tetteh, Agyemang Badu, Andy Yiadom as well as Jonathan Mensah were handed their first start of the competition.
AS Roma star Mohamed Salah provided the decisive moment, lashing in a free-kick through a gap in Ghana’s defensive wall.
“This is a game I think the team showed a lot of good spirit despite the fact that I rested a lot of the key players.
“I was happy because one of the things we are working on is mental strength and despite not scoring we came to the Egypt half and attacked several times,” Grant said in his post-match reactions.
Ghana, following the result will travel to Oyem to square off against Group C winners DR Congo and the former Chelsea trainer is expecting a win to earn semi-final berth.
“Congo is a good side and I know it will be a tough game but we will be up for it,” he added.
