Ghana will meet Nigeria in the African Nations Championship semifinals on Wednesday after their 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo renewed an old West African rivalry.
There was little in the Black Stars’ performance last night though that suggested they would push the Super Eagles to the limit.
While Stephen Keshi’s youthful team have been fearless and enterprising, Maxwell Konadu’s men have been tentative and boring.
Bloemfontein, starved of goals in yet another match involving Ghana, must have been envious of the goal downpours Cape Town enjoyed during the quarterfinals in which Nigeria beat Morocco 4-3 and Zimbabwe edged Mali 2-1.
It took another Kwabena Adusei spot kick – just as he decided the game against Ethiopia – to split the two teams which were deadlocked until the 67th minute.
Libya beat Gabon 4-2 on penalties last night to book themselves a place in the Chan semifinal.
The match went to penalties after the two sides were deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes and were unable to score during extra time.
Libya scored their penalties through Faisal Ali, Davy Mayoungoua, Daniel Cousin and Elmutasem Abusnaf, with Saint Avebe and Edmond Mouele scoring for Gabon.
Libya silenced the Gabonese supporters when an unmarked Abselsalam Omar lobbed the ball over advancing keeper Bitseki Moto to put the ball into the empty net in the 51st minute. Gabon were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute after Abdelrahman Fetori brought down Lionel Jackouya, and Daniel Cousin equalised.
Libya will face Zimbabwe in the other semifinal.
