Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage

Jan 27, 2015 at 6pm UK

South Africa
1-2
Ghana

Masango (17')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Boye (73'), Ayew (83')

Live Commentary

Match Report

Football

Late show sends Ghana through at Africa Cup of Nations

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor

Published: January 27 2015 | 19:51

Last updated: January 28 2015 | 21:15

Ghana advance to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations as Group C winners thanks to Andre Ayew's late goal against South Africa.

Ghana have reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations as Group C winners after scoring twice in the final 20 minutes to beat South Africa in Mongomo.

Ghana began the game on the front foot and were close to taking the lead twice in the opening five minutes. First, Jonathan Mensah headed wide before Jordan Ayew saw a shot cleared off the line.

South Africa's midfielder Mandla Masango (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group C football match against Ghana on January 27, 2015 © Getty Images

Not long after it was South Africa who stunned the Black Stars, though, as Mandla Masango scored arguably the goal of the tournament with a dipping volley from 25 yards.

Asamoah Gyan was close to pulling Ghana quickly level, but his fierce effort was beaten out by Nhlanhla Khuzwayo.

At the other end, Bongani Ndulula was closest to doubling South Africa's lead before half time when his header was kept out by Brimah Razak.

John Boye, after being introduced as a substitute in the first half, would be the man to bring Ghana level in the 72nd minute when he instinctively turned home Andre Ayew's scuffed effort.

Kwesi Appiah struck the post as Ghana went in search of a winner, and they would breach Bafana Bafana's backline with seven minutes remaining when Ayew powered home a header.

The Black Stars finish level on points with Algeria at the top of the group and go through as group winners because they beat Algeria in their meeting on Friday.