Andre Ayew’s header sneaks Ghana into last eight – Ivory Coast and Ghana qualify for quarterfinals

Black Stars through to quarterfinals Image Source

Lady Luck smiled on the Black Stars of Ghana today when Andre Ayew’s goal was all they needed to send them through to the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations. The Stars who were without their stand-in captain Michael Essien needed at least a win against Burkina Faso to progress to the next round.

The game itself presented little excitement for the few supporters who had showed up to cheer their teams to victory at November 11th Stadium. Neither of the sides was spectacular and the pace of the game was considerable slow until the last 15 minutes.

They Black Stars seemed to enjoy their passing game in midfield and their lack of creative upfront was telling. The Stallions sort to build their attack through their deadly left winger, Pitroipa. He however wasn’t given a lot space to cause any danger. After half an hour of football Andre Ayew headed home into the left corner when goalkeeper Diakite failed to deal effectively with a lofty ball into the area.

Today’s victory for the Stars sets them a date with Group A winner and Host Angola on Sunday 24th August. Ivory Coast who are winners of Group B will take on Group A runners up Algeria at Cabinda.

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