The Black Stars of Ghana have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Angola after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

The only goal of the final Group B match, played yesterday, was scored by Andre Dede Ayew, son of Ghana’s legendary footballer Abedi Pele Ayew, in the 30th minute of the game.

Right from the blast of the referee’s whistle, both teams started the game strongly, giving indications that neither was in the mood for any compromise. In fact, there was little difference in the play of either side in the first 10 minutes of the game, though Ghana had better possession.

The relatively-younger Ghanaian side struggled to contain the physical nature of the Burkinabe style of play, while their neighbours blocked the flanks so that the likes of Andre Ayew and Haminu Draman could not operate freely.

Ghana had a chance in the 10th minute when Matthew Amoah latched onto a ball around the goal area of the Burkinabes, but he fired off target.

From then on, it was a ding-dong affair until the 30th minute when Samuel Inkoom’s incisive cross from the right flank found an unmarked Dede Ayew, who headed the ball home.

Encouraged by the goal, the Black Stars of Ghana started firing on all cylinders, with Inkoom’s shot in the 33rd minute flying over the bar and Asamoah Gyan’s header missing the goal by a wide margin.

At this point, the absence of Michael Essien was hardly felt, as the midfield duo of Agyemang Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah captured the midfield with ease.

The sublime touches and passes of the latter were as noticeable as the energy of the former, leaving Burkinabe midfielders such as Koneh panting for breath.

On the flanks, Haminu Draman, Andre Ayew, Hans Adu Sarpei and Samuel Inkoom were a delight to watch, using every inch of space to the advantage of their team.

In central defence, Lee Addy indeed justified his inclusion in the team, pairing perfectly with Isaac Vorsah to hold Dagano and Dangerman Petroipa in check.

It was evident at this point that the Ghanaians would carry the day. They dominated every department of the game but failed to transform their dominance into goals, with Kwadwo Asamoah’s low shot being dealt with by the keeper in the 45th minute.

Back from recess, the Ghanaians continued to dominate proceedings, but Matthew Amoah, who was paired upfront with Asamoah Gyan, missed a clear chance to increase Ghana’s tally.

In the 55th Minute, Ghana had their pleas for a penalty denied by the referee. After some showboating, Draman delivered a perfect cross, but as Matthew Amoah surged forward to tap it into the net, Koulibally pushed him. The referee however ignored Ghana’s appeal for a spot-kick.

Moments later, Burkinabe defender Tall was red-carded following a dangerous tackle on Asamoah Gyan, worsening the plight of the team which was already struggling to contain the determined Ghanaians.

It was a one-way traffic towards the Burkina Faso goal but Asamoah Gyan’s shot on 69 minute was too weak to beat the keeper.

Draman messed up two golden opportunities to put his name on the score sheet in the 75 and 76th minutes. First, he beat a defender and with the keeper at his mercy, he fired off target. A minute later, a pass was laid by Kwadwo Asamoah, and again he shot off target.

Many soccer fans and analysts questioned Coach Milovan Rajevac’s technical abilities when he left Draman and Matthew Amoah on the pitch, even though it was evident that their output was minimal. But the two were eventually substituted for Opoku Agyeman and Dominic Adiyiah.

Much as the Ghanaians pressed, they could not add to the tally, leaving the final scores 1-0, which means Ghana, with an injury-ravaged team and against all odds, have qualified for the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. They will meet hosts Angola in the quarterfinals on Monday January 24 in Luanda.

Source: Daily Guide

Tags: Africa Cup of Nations, Angola, Black Stars, Burkina Faso