By James Robert Kayindi
Asamoah Gyan scored a dying minute goal to sting Algeria leaving Group C wide open in the process as Ghana beat the Desert foxes at Estadio de Mongomo stadium yesterday. Gyan, the Black Stars’ captain returned from a minor malaria illness that cost him the first game against Senegal to inspire his side to a 1-0 win against Algeria.
Two and three changes were made by the Black stars and the desert foxes respectively in their starting lineups that featured in their opening games. Ghana’s most notable change was Captain Asamoah Gyan returning upfront leading them back to the 4-4-2 formation. Algeria‘s Madjid Bougherra replaced Rafik Halliche in defence, while Saphir Taider and Ishak Belfodil were also introduced to the line-up.
After a barren first half where both teams didn’t exploit the attacking talent, the second half saw a more formidable Ghana side which was eager to pick a result as they created a lot of chances.
After 90minutes, both teams looked much more on the verge of sharing spoils but the Black stars had other ideas when their defence cleared away with a long ball in the second minute of injury time which Gyan ran after to beat Carl Medjani for pace and shoot past goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi.
The other game between the Republic of South Africa and Senegal ended in a stalemate narrowing the Bafana Bafana’s chances to progress from the group stages of this year’s Africa cup of nations.
Shakes Mashaba’s side gave away a one goal advantage after taking the lead through Oupa Manyisa just a minute into the second half of the game. Thirteen minutes later, South Africa couldn’t hold it any more as they gave away an equalizer to Senegal’s Kara Mbodji to ease the attacking pressure on them.
The Lions of Terenga from Senegal now lead the group of death with 4points, Algeria are second with 3points as third placed Ghana while Bafana Bafana are bottom of the group with just one point.
South Africa will face Ghana in their last game while group leaders Senegal will be up against Algeria. For South Africa to progress to the quarter finals, they must win against Ghana with a two goal advantage and also pray that Algeria lose to Senegal else they have no chance of progressing.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
