A 67th minute penalty converted by centre-back Kwabena Adusei was all it took the home-based Black Stars to go past the Leopards of DR Congo in the quarter-finals of the 2014 Championship of African Nations on Sunday night.
After an even first half performance which saw both sides draw goalless, Coach Maxwell Konadu effected his first substitution in the early minutes of the second half by replacing Richard Mpong with skill-filled winger Asiedu Attobrah on the right wing.
However, in the 66th minute captain Jordan Opoku?s attempted cross found the hand of DC Congo defender Jean Kasusula Kilitso who had slid in to block the ball ? for an obvious penalty called by Mauritanian referee Ali Lemghaifry.
Centre-back Kwabena Adusei beautifully slotted the ball past goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba but had to be substituted by Liberty Professionals? defender Alfred Nelson due to injury. Coach Maxwell Konadu was forced to substitute Michael Akuffo who also suffered a knock in the second half. He was replaced by Owusu Jackson.
Ghana marched on to a 1-0 victory over DR Congo ? their second time since the maiden edition of the tournament in Cote D?Ivoire 5 years ago.
The Black Stars will now face rivals Nigeria in a mouth-watering semi-final clash on Wednesday, January 29 in Bloemfontein.
Ghana XI vs. DR Congo: Stephen Adams ? Abeiku Ainooson, Nuru Sulley, Kwabena Adusei/Alfred Nelson, Tijani Joshua ? Michael Akuffo/Owusu Jackson, Jordan Opoku (c) ? Richard Mpong/Asiedu Attobrah, Yahaya Mohammed, Theophilus Annorbaah ? Seidu Bancey
Source-Footy-Ghana
