AFCON 2015: Ghana coach Grant feared for the safety of Black Stars during violent scenes

Player safety was a concern for Avram Grant, who praised his Ghana team for a clinical display amid crowd trouble against Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana coach Avram Grant conceded players' safety was a concern as crowd trouble staining is team’s 3-0 win over Equatorial Guinea.

The four-time champions secured a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Jordan Ayew, Mubarak Wakaso and Andre Ayew on target in a dominant victory against the host nation.

But, following Ghana's first two goals as half-time approached, the mood turned in the stands at the Estadio de Malabo and sections of the crowd began to throw objects.

Ghana's players were shielded by police as the left the field at the interval and the situation deteriorated to the extent that there was a half-hour delay before the closing stages of the match could be completed.

Both teams remained on the field as confusion reigned during the stoppage, brought about when Ghana supporters gathered behind one of the goals to avoid being hit by missiles.

"It's the first time I've played games in this tournament," Grant told reporters after the game.

"I didn't know what was happening, we saw some incidents of violence.

"I could not say I wasn't concerned but I wanted to keep the safety of my players - it was very important for me."