Andre Ayew’s penalty sends Ghana through ahead of South Africa
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew stepped up to the occasion to score from 12 yards out to secure a very important victory for Ghana that saw the Black Stars advance out of Group G at the expense of South Africa,
Ahead of the match, South Africa led the group with 13 points, three more than the Black Stars and a goal difference of five. But the Black Stars having scored the same number of goals as the Bafana Bafana and with a goal difference of three needed just a one-goal victory to secure passage. And that was exactly what was done at the Cape Coast Stadium in front of the roaring Ghana supporters.
A tense game was what it was with Ghana showing some early promises but could not find the breakthrough until in the 33rd-minute when Daniel Amartey went down in the box after a struggle for the ball when Daniel-Kofi Kyereh’s corner was sent into the box.
Stars skipper Andre Ayew stepped out to face Williams Rowen and sent the SuperSport United shot-stopper the wrong way. That goal did not come without its price as Kudus Mohammed had to limp off after just 12 minutes with Kofi Kyereh taking over his place.
Jordan Ayew and Kofi Kyereh both missed chances before the goal came. The Stars however went to the break with the slim lead.
Straight from recess, South Africa showed more intent and almost pegged Ghana inside its area mounting enormous pressure on the Black Stars as they sought the leveller. Percy Tau had a penalty appeal turned down and Wollacott also saved a free kick to keep the scores the same.
As the minutes wore down, Ghana’s players looked gassed out with a disconnect between the midfield and forwards as Jordan Ayew played isolated upfront. The striker however also along with Kamaldeen Sulemana missed glorious chances to steer the Black Stars clear.
Ghana, however, managed to hold on to secure the slim one-nil win which sends them through to the next round of the qualifiers having scored more goals than the South Africans.
The major talking point however is the referee’s decision to award Ghana the penalty with many on social media calling it a dubious one.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
