Last summer, Ghana’s high hopes for World Cup glory were quashed during a decidedly unimpressive group stage performance, when they were outplayed not only by the eventual winners, Germany, but by the perennial upstarts, the United States.
Now, they are on the verge of replacing that memory with a new one, as a decisive 3-0 win Thursday over Equatorial Guinea sent them into the final match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana’s Harrison Afful challenges Equatorial Guinea’s Ivan Salvador during their semi-final match of the 2015 African Cup of Nations. (REUTERS)
Jordan Ayew, André Ayew and Mubarak Wakaso all scored for the Black Stars.
Unfortunately for the history books, Ghana’s win was tarnished after what appeared to be mainly Equatorial Guinea fans began hurling bottles and other objects at Ghanian fans late in the 2nd half. The fans ended up huddling behind a goal seeking refuge from the missiles thrown at them.
With a helicopter hovered over the stadium in Malabo, riot police ultimately retook control after about a 30 minute interruption of the game, and Ghana went on to victory.
Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for Ghana in the 42nd minute when he converted a penalty awarded for a Equatorial Guinea foul from Felipe Ovono.
Wakaso got the Black Stars’ second after Christian Atsu broke fast and assisted to Wakaso who nailed home a left-footed shot from the center of the box.
André Ayew made it three at the 75th minutes, with left-footed shot from the box center, off an assist from Kwesi Appiah.
It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the outburst of violence. No injuries were immediately reported, or arrests.
Ghana will face Cote D’Ivoire on Sunday for the final match of the tournament.