Winger Christian Atsu proved the hero as his two goals helped Ghana to a comfortable 3-0 success over an out-gunned Guinea in their African Nations Cup quarter-final in Malabo on Sunday.
Christian Atsu of Ghana was the hero of the clash with Guinea, scoring two of the three goals which took the Black Stars to the 2015 Afcon semi-finals.
Atsu opened the scoring inside four minutes and then added a superb second from long range, with a first Black Stars goal for Kwesi Appiah sandwiched in between.
Guinea, who had earned their place in the knockout phase after a drawing of lots was needed to separate them from Mali in Group D, never recovered from going behind early and were well beaten, having goalkeeper Naby Yattara sent off in the dying minutes.
Ghana have now set up a semi-final meeting with hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on Thursday.
For new coach Avram Grant, a place in the last four will win over some critics who questioned his appointment. His mandate to ‘do well’ with the Black Stars in this tournament has likely now been met.
Ghana made the perfect start when Mubarak Wakaso weaved into the penalty box and his ball across the six-yard box saw teammates queuing up to score, with Atsu supplying the easy finish.
Guinea enjoyed lots of possession after that, but could not break down the Ghana defence and created very few scoring chances.
It was 2-0 a minute before halftime and Guinea only had themselves to blame.
Aboubacar Fofana’s back-pass put right back Baissama Sankoh under pressure and he scuffed his attempted clearance into the path of Appiah, who had the simple task of slipping the ball past the goalkeeper.
Guinea had the first chance of the second half when Kevin Constant supplied a cross for Abdoul Camara, but his header was well saved by Razak Braimah in the Ghana goal.
Atsu made the game safe though with a contender for goal of the tournament as he controlled the ball on the right flank with his chest, drifted inside and unleashed a magnificent left-footed shot that swerved and dipped into the net despite a desperate dive from Guinea keeper Yattara.
The game ended on a sour note when gloveman Yattara put a boot into the midriff of Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan and deservedly got his marching orders.
It capped a superb performance from the diminutive winger that showed his x-factor and ability to create goals from nothing.
Ghana are seeking a first Nations Cup title since 1982, a long wait for Black Stars fans after they won four titles in the 19 years prior to that.
Guinea’s tournament ended in a damp squib. They were outclassed, offered little in the final third and at times defended with nerves rather than any real conviction.