Saturday, February 2, 2013

Ghana beat newbies Cape Verde 2-0 to reach the semifinals of the 2013 Nations Cup while Mali knocks host nation South Africa out on penalties

Posted by wasaafrica at 10:40 PM

GHANA 2-0 CAPE VERDE
Ghana are through to the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations after substitute Mubarak Wakaso 2 scored goals in the second half of their quarterfinal encounter against Cape Verde.
The first half of the first quarterfinals in the Nations Cup was rather stiff as both sides fought to make the net, in the fight; Ghana won a spot-kick when Asamoah Gyan fell after Carlitos shoved him in the box, Mubarak Wakaso smashed home the spot-kick
A relentless Cape Verde were quick to respond however, Ghana’s goalkeeper Fatau Dauda denied them every opportunity to equalize with his outstanding saves. 
Despite several efforts from Cape Verde which gave the Blue Sharks majority of the ball possession, their exertions sadly ended after Ghana added a second goal in stoppage time. Ghana’s hero and the man solely responsible for their ticket to the semifinals Wakosa scored his second goal in the game. The 22-year-old midfielder made use of a rare opportunity from a corner kick for Cape Verde, the net was left unattended when he put the ball in an empty net.
SOUTH AFRICA 1-1 MALI (SF 1- 3 ML on PENALTY)

Mali also grabbed a ticket for the semifinals as they beat host nation South Africa 3-1 on penalties after the score ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of play in the Africa Nations Cup quarterfinal in Durban.
Amidst the 50,000 strong crowd that cheered the Bafana Bafana on today at the beautiful Mabhida Stadium, the BB of South Africa were determined to win when they seized the lead in the first half with striker Tokelo Rantie firing home from Thuso Phala's cross.  Mali captain Seydou Keita however negated the lead as he drew his side level, heading past South Africa keeper Itumeleng Khune in the 58th minute of the game.
After 94 minutes of regular play, 30 minutes of extra time was added to break the tie, however, both sides remained strong as they were no goals recorded for either side in all of the extra 30 minutes of play.
Substitute Siphiwe Tshabalala was the only player to score from the spot for South Africa but Furman, Mahlangu and Majoro all missed, while Cheick Tidiane Diabate, Tamboura and Mahamane Traore all converted theirs securing Mali a win and a spot in the semifinals.


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