by Mark Bassey

Ghana are through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, after they thumped Guinea 3-0 on Sunday evening.

Christian Atsu, who is on loan at Everton from Chelsea, helped himself to a brace, including a goal-of-the-tournament, as the Black Stars maintained their quest for continental glory.

Guinea progressed to this stage by drawing of lots, but it appeared their luck deserted them in this game. Atsu opened scoring as early as the 4th minute. The winger combined well with Kwesi Appiah and expertly tucked his effort away. Appiah then pounced on Baissama Sanko’s error to make it 2-0 before the interval.

Atsu then added gloss to the win on the hour mark, with a sensational left-foot shot. Guinea finished the game with 10 men, as goalkeeper Naby-Moussa Yattara was sent off for a vicious challenge on Asamoah Gyan.

It is a fifth straight semi-final appearance for Avram Grant’s men and they will be looking to win the tournament for the first time since 1992.

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.