The Black Stars are into the semi-finals of the AFCON after a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the quarter-final. Jordan Ayew latched onto a pass from Mubarak Wakaso, beat a defender and fired past the goalkeeper to give the Black Stars the lead in the second half. The lead lasted only 7 minutes as Mpoku, fired in a beauty for the Congolese from just outside the penalty area.
However, the Black Stars restored their lead as Andre Ayew scored from the penalty spot after Christian Atsu was brought down in the penalty box.Ghana will now face Cameroon who beat Senegal on penalties in the semi-final.
The Congolese should have taken an early lead as Hull City striker Dieumerci Mbokani pounced on a poor backpass, rounded the keeper but hit the post.
Mbokani thought he should have been awarded a penalty after a tussle with John Boye in the box but the referee waved play-on.
The Ghanaians struggled to get into the game but lacked a focal front up front. The Black Stars resorted to long balls which were easily dealt with by the Congolese defence. Christian Atsu, Jordan Ayew and Andre were shackled well by the defence and were unable to create much for the Stars
Mbokani had a couple more chances in the half firing wide when through on goal and straight at Brimah from just outside the box.
The Black Stars started the second half brightly with Andre Ayew firing in a shot which was saved comfortably by the goalkeeper.
But the Ghanaians were relentless and almost took the lead as Wakaso’s free-kick bounced in front of the keeper who just about kept it out.
Moments later, Jordan Ayew danced into the box, nutmegged a defender and was challenged as he cut back in the box but the referee waved play on.
Thomas Partey’s shot was then well saved by the Congolese keeper.
The Black Stars eventually broke the deadlock as Jordan Ayew fired past the Congolese keeper.
The Congolese found a way back into the game minutes later as Mpoku took on a Stars defence that kept backing away and fired in a belter.
But Andre Ayew fired the Black Stars into the semis from the spot after the marauding Christian Atsu was upended in the box.
The Congolese had a chance to equalise late on but Brimah, in Ghana’s goal was equal to a shot.
Christian Atsu almost sealed the win for Ghana but his shot was saved after a delightful run into the box.
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