Tuesday, 31 January 2017

AFCON 2017: Ayew brothers shine as Ghana defeat DR Congo to reach semi-final

The black stars of Ghana are through to the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

 

AFCON 2017: Ayew brothers shine as Ghana defeat
DR Congo to reach semi-final

Thanks to the Ayew brothers who got a goal each to ensure the Avram Grant tutored side advance to the last four.

The highly entertaining fixture saw DR Congo’s Dieumerci Mbokani lose a sitter as early as the tenth minute.
Both teams matched each other in all departments as play was mainly around the midfield in the first forty-five minutes.

Following a barren first half, Ghanaian no.9 Jordan Ayew powered home a sensational strike in the 63rd minute to put his side ahead.
Barely five minutes later, the leopards replied in a spectacular fashion with Paul-Jose M'Poku driving home his shot from about 30-yards-out to send the Congolese fans into the wild.

With the clock ticking fast as the match was drawing closer to extra-time, Ghana's Christian Atsu was brought down in the box and referee deservedly pointed to the spot.

Black stars captain Andre Ayew stepped-up and sent goalkeeper Ley Matampi the wrong way to give his side the all-important win. It ended Ghana 2 - 1 DR Congo.

Ghana will now face Cameroon who defeated Senegal via penalties in the semifinal scheduled for Thursday, February 2 in Franceville.


Recall that the black stars were finalists at the 2015 edition of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea losing to eventual winners Ivory Coast in the final.