Ayew brothers on target as Black Stars book final four spot

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Jan 29, 2017. 20:20

Ghana booked their place in a sixth successive Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, beating the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 at the Stade d'Oyem in the Gabonese city Oyem, on Sunday evening.

Brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew on target for the Black Stars who will face Cameroon for a place in the 2017 showpiece in Libreville. Egypt take on Morocco later tonight with the victor to come up against Burkina Faso.

Dieumerci Mbokani missed a golden chance for the Leopards in the seventh minute of the match as Florent Ibenge's men carried on from where they left off in the group stages.

Having pounced on a mistake by Harrison Afful, the Hull City forward looked sure to score, but having rounded Brimah Razak he could only succeed in directing his shot onto the woodwork.

DR Congo dominated the first-half chances with Mbokani at it again in the 39th minute. The burly forward testing Razak from range, but having initially parried the stinging effort, the goal-minder was quick to react with the Leopards ready to pounce.

Goalless at the break with Ghana having failed to test Ley Matampi in the opening 45 minutes.

The Black Stars looked a different side following the interval and would duly take the lead as DR Congo finally crumbled.

Mubarak Wakaso with a strong challenge to win back possession before sending Jordan Ayew through on goal, the Aston Villa man composed in the box as he shrugged off Merveille Bope before curling the ball into the back of the net with 63 minutes on the clock.

DR Congo, though, would hit back almost immediately with Paul-José M'Poku hammering home an unstoppable shot in the 68th minute. Ghana caught cold from a quickly taken free-kick.

Ghana restored their lead in the 78th minute and would as a result not be denied a place in the final four. Andre Ayew converting from the penalty spot after Christian Atsu was fouled inside the are by Joyce Lomalisa.

Cédric Bakambu missed two late chances for the Leopards as Ghana move one step closer to yet another final.

DR Congo (0) 1 (M'Poku 68')
Ghana (0) 2 (Jordan Ayew 63' Andre Ayew 78')

DR Congo: Matampi; Lomalisa, Tisserand, Bope, Mpeko - Kabananga, Mbemba, Mulumba (Bolingi 85'), Mubele (Bokila 83') - M'Poku (Bakambu 83'), Mbokani

Ghana: Razak; Acheampong, Boye, Amartey, Afful - Wakaso, Acquah, Partey - Atsu, A.Ayew, J.Ayew