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Ghana came from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1 to book its place in the quarter finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

Goals from substitute John Boye and Andre Ayew handed the Black Stars a deserved win in Mongomo.

Avram Grant’s team were however given a real scare when South Africa scored and held onto their lead until the 73rd minute.

The Black Stars should have taken the lead just inside the first five minutes of the game but Jordan Ayew was first denied by goalkeeper Nhlanhla Khuzwayo and then his rebound off the line by Mulomowandau Mathoho.

Bafana Bafan replied with a chance of their own in the 10th minute but Thuso Phala’s sweet drive failed to locate a teammate in the Ghana penalty box.

The South Africans however took the lead against the run of play in the 17th minute when Razak Braimah – off his line – failed to save a looping effort by Mandla Masango.

The goal gave Shakes Masahaba’s side the needed confidence to also have a share of the possession which was until then bossed by the Black Stars.

The Black Stars had to wait until the 33rd minute to have a sniff at goal again as Baba Rahman’s fierce drive off a rebuffed free kick was punched clear by goalkeeper Khuzwayo.

Coach Avram Grant was forced to make his first chance two minutes later as dependable defender Daniel Amartey limped off with an injury and was replaced by John Boye.

South Africa defender Anele Ngcongca was the first to get booked for petulance after fouling Andre Ayew.

Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah was soon called into action again five minutes to recess as he had to go down well to save a goal-bound header by Bongani Ndulula.

The Black Stars started the second half with the clear intention of getting an early equalizer and were rightly awarded a free kick just outside the South Africa penalty area after Asamoah Gyan had been fouled a minute into the restart.

Asamoah Gyan’s resultant kick was however went just a shade above the cross bar much to the relief of the Bafana Bafana fans.

Ghana lunched a persistent attacking raid on the South African defence but the Bafana Bafana guard was still holding.

The Black Stars came close to fetching the equalizer in the 57th minute when Jordan Ayew sent in a teasing cross but goalkeeper Khuzwayo rushed out to punch the ball off the head of the waiting-to-pounce Asamoah Gyan.

South Africa effected their first chance a minute later as Thuso Phala was withdrawn for Sibusiso Vilakazi.

Avram Grant played his final cards by throwing on Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwesi Appiah for Mubarak Wakaso and Jordan Ayew with 19 minutes left to play.

Ghana’s persistence however paid off in the 73rd minute when John Boye tucked in a loose ball in the South Africa penalty box.

South Africa immediately withdrew Tokelo Rantie and brought on Thapelo Mabokgwane.

Ghana however got the next chance with Asamoah Gyan toe-poking the ball into the path of Kwesi Appuah whose strike was saved by goalkeeper Khuzwayo for a corner kick.

It was all Ghana form there on as the Black Stars made a late surge in search of the winner.

The Black Stars eventually got the deserved lead in the 83rd minute with Andre Ayew diving into a delightful cross by Baba Abdul Rahman.

South Africa coach Shakes Mashabe then threw on Bernard Parker for Bongani Ndulula to force a late equalizer off the obviously tiring Ghana.

Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah was booked for time wasting as his team labored to grind to the end against a resurgent South African side.

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Comments

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Readers Comment

  • BANGER 9 years ago

    AMORATION BRO I THINK THEY ARE BUSSY GIVEN EACH OTHERS HEAD.STUPID STINKY MOTHERFUCKERS CMS TO OUR SITES TO TALK SHIT.GH BLACK STARS NEVER SAY DIE TILL THE BOBES ARE ROTTEN

  • Stranger Danger 9 years ago

    You are right that some bash the FA and players too much. But blind patriotism will not lead you to anywhere my friend. All of what these people are doing is giving their thoughts and saying it how they see it. Criticism is growth.

  • Stranger Danger 9 years ago

    dude stfu. we dont care about that shit. We just want to win. take your politics elsewhere.

  • banger 9 years ago

    CIV will whoop your ass in the quarter finals , meantime enjoy your short-lived celebrations.

  • Amoration 9 years ago

    Jimmy do you really know what you are talking about. This morden day Israel is the most arrogant nation on earth. Because they have the backing of america the great satan. They spend most of their time bullying and killing weak people for the least offence they committed. Israelis are no better than land grabbers. They are stocking pills of dooms day weapons to be used oneday to elliminate humanity from earth. They have legallised homosexuality in their so call holy land so that Tom and jerry can marry each in both the christian church or jews shrine and kiss each other in front of the cross and in the full glare of the public. while they hold annual gay pride march and celebrations every year to honour some dead gay men. Are these the work of God's children. Ask america they have more enemies in the world than any other nation because of the arrogance of Israel. We win the match not because we have an Israeli couch but because of the hard working spirit of our players God bless Ghana God bless Africa.

  • kimco 9 years ago

    Wait, so did u say anything like dat when kwesi appiah qualified u out of the grp stages? Ghanaians are so melodramatic, it's insane. The coach however is a bit lacking for me. Hope he gets better and also jordan needs to be taught a lesson. Please sit him on the bench

  • actus May 9 years ago

    Gud work blackstars

  • ´Nana 9 years ago

    Agyemang Badu came in for Afriyie Acquah and not Mubarak Wakaso. Ghanasoccernet again..Hmmmm

  • na kwame 9 years ago

    where are those saying that the a yews are playing they want us to loose....do u have any better ideas..??shut up and support .period

  • ´Nana 9 years ago

    They fought and won.Good work boys...

  • OGYA 9 years ago

    Anyone wants to debate as to who the better coach is between Avram and Akwesi Appiah? Just look at Avrams subtitution

  • OGYA 9 years ago

    This is stupid, Jordan Ayew should never be in the Black Stars. He is a lazy striker

  • BANGER 9 years ago

    NA KWAME AM WITH U %100

  • Anokwale 9 years ago

    Almost too late.....he waited a bit long for the Kwesi Appiah for Jordan substitution.

  • kojo 9 years ago

    Black stars displayed character and mental strength - Excellent coaching by Avram Grant

  • Amoration 9 years ago

    Banger where is this ugly guy who said he will cut off his baboon finger if Ghana beat his julu Bafana Banana. maybe he is busy sucking fish's smelly anus. As for mumbi he died last week from ebola. Paradox himself is suffering from both cholera and STD and is also monitering for signs of ebola. And this stupid guy call Noni9ja is now serving 59 years inprisonment for robbing and raping 9 zambian fulani women. hehehe oh zambia what kind of wahala be this ibe it a curse or ibe badluck Jonathan

  • Coach Badu 9 years ago

    I think the BLACK STARS PLAYED WELL;BUT my problem is Jordan Ayew ;the Coach should bench him :and bring other strikers on ,we have a good BENCH,THIS GAME COULD HAVE BEEN WON EASILY IF OTOO,OR,APPIAH STARTED

  • jimmy 9 years ago

    It is good and more blessing to work with an Israeli. Ask America and they will tell you. The Abrahamic blessing on all Israelis is working for Ghana.

  • millennium 9 years ago

    God blessings know no limitation. Two or few people sinning doesn't stop the fulfillment of Allah's blessings on Israeli people.the coach is why we are on a the match

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