Goals from Christian Atsu and Kwesi Appiah gave Ghana a 3-0 victory over Guinea, setting up an African Cup of Nations semi-final against Equatorial Guinea. The Chelsea winger netted the first and last goals of the match as The Black Stars sailed through to their fifth semi-final at the African Cup of Nations in a row.
Guinea were well beaten and looked like a team that had been drawn out of a hat to reach this stage of the competition.
Atsu put Ghana ahead after just four minutes before Kwesi Appiah was gifted a goal just before half time.
Guinea came out in the second half hoping to impose themselves but Atsu’s curling strike from 25 yards over the goalkeepeer saw Ghana comfortably through.
Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara was sent off in the final seconds of the game for a nasty challenge on Asamoah Gyan but the Ghanaian legend should be fit to play in the Black Stars’ semi-final against Equitorial Guinea.
KEY MOMENTS
4’ – GOAL! – Appiah drifts in from the left wing and plays it in to Ayew. Back to goal he backheels the ball across the six yard box where Atsu is on hand to smash it in at the far post.
45’ – GOAL! – Disaster for Guinea as from their own throw the ball goes back to Sankoh. He tries to clear first time under no pressure but completely misses the ball and Appiah has a free run at goal before finishing under the goalkeeper.
61’ – GOAL! – Atsu gets the ball on the right touchline. He does one quick stepover to get past Paye before getting his head up and bending an absolute screamer into the top corner. Belter.
90 + 5 - RED CARD! - Yattara comes storming out of his goal to stop Gyan advancing and studs him in the midriff. An easier red card to give there won't be.
KEY STATS
Andre Ayew now has two goals and two assists in this tournament – more involvement in goals than any other player.
Guinea have now not gotten past the quarter final stage of the African Cup of Nations for the fifth time in a row.
Ghana have now reached the semi-final of the last five African Cup of Nations competitions - a new record.
TALKING POINT
Did Ghana even get out of second gear to progress to the semi-finals? Ghana were comfortable for much of this game as they held Guinea at arm’s length and took the chances that came to them. They’ll have to improve to beat stronger teams than Guinea but a display like this must make them confident they can go all the way and lift the trophy for the first time since 1982.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Christian Atsu – The winger was a menace from the first minute until his substitution. He was in the right place at the right time for the first goal and bagged an absolute beauty for his second and to truly put the tie to bed. A brilliant winger’s display and one that will not have gone unnoticed by potential opponents.
PLAYER RATINGS
Ghana – Braima 6, Rahman 7, Aful 7, Mensah 7, Boye 7, Acquah 8, Wakasu 8, A.Ayew 8, Atsu 9, Appiah 8, Gyan 7. Acheampong 7, Rabiu 6.
Guinea – Yattara 4, Sankoh 4, Cisse 5, Camara 5, Paye 5, Fofana 6, Constant 4, Razzagui 5, Conte 5, Traore 7, Sylla 6. Keita 6, Yattara 5, Kamano 6.
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