Ghana advance after late drama against South Africa

Ghana advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa to qualify alongside Algeria.

South Africa went ahead courtesy of a goal of the tournament effort from Masango, who volleyed a looping shot over Khuzwayo from ouside the box.

With Algeria leading Senegal, the goal incredibly meant that it would go down to a drawing of lots between Senegal and South Africa to see who would progress in second place.

But with time running out and South Africa sitting back and inviting pressure on themselves, substitute John Boye pounced on a mishit Afriyie Acquah shot to pull a goal back.

And when Andre Ayew bravely headed home from Rahman Baba’s wonderful cross seven minutes from time, Ghana were going through alongside Algeria.

A goal from South Africa still would have been enough to rescue Senegal but Ghana held out to secure their place.

5’ – GHANA CLOSE: Mensah rises like a salmon but his towering header is just wide of the South Africa post.

6’ – CLEARED OFF THE LINE: Ghana close to opening the scoring again as Ayew’s shot is blocked by Mathoho.

17’ – GOAL! South Africa 1-0 Ghana: It’s a fantastic strike from Masango on the volley from outside the box, looping over the head of Brimah. Goal of the tournament contender.

32’ – GREAT SAVE KHUZWAYO: He beats away Baba’s shot to keep his side ahead.

73’ – GOAL! South Africa 1-1 Ghana: John Boye pounces on a mishit Afriyie Acquah shot to pull a goal back.

74’ – GREAT SAVE KHUZWAYO: He’s at it again, getting down low to his left to deflect Appiah’s drive onto the post.

83’ – GOAL! South Africa 1-2 Ghana: Andre Ayew bravely gets to the ball before Khuzwayo to head home from Rahman Baba’s wonderful cross.

South Africa are beaten for the first time in four Afcon matches against the Black Stars.

Ghana scored for the first time in those four games against South Africa (1996, 2000, 2002, 2015)

Christian Atsu (Ghana): The driving force in the Ghana midfield, kept running and believing until the very last.

South Africa: Khuzwayo 7, Ngcongca 6, Matlaba 6, Coetzee 6, Mathoho 6, Furman 6, Jali 7, Masango 8, Phala 6, Rantie 6, Ndulula 6. Subs: : Vilakazi 6, Letsholonyane 6, Parker 6.

Ghana: Brimah 6, Afful 6, Baba Rahman 7, Amartey 6, Mensah 7, Acquah 6, A. Ayew 7, Wakaso 6, Atsu 8, Gyan 6, J. Ayew 6. Subs: Appiah 6, Agyemang-Badu 6, Boye 7.