TONIGHT’S AFRICAN CUP of Nations semi-final between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea was marred by serious crowd trouble.
Four-time champions Ghana were leading 3-0 against the host nation in Malabo when the game was called to a halt in the closing minutes. After a 30 minute delay, it was restarted and ended in the same scoreline.
The first goal came three minutes before half-time when Jordan Ayew converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Kwesi Appiah by goalkeeper Felipe Ovono.
Mubarak Wakaso scored the second in stoppage-time with a close-range shot after a counterattack left the Equatoguineans outnumbered.
The Equatorial Guinea fans threw bottles onto the pitch and technical area throughout the game and riot police had to accompany players off the pitch at half-time.
Midway through the second half, Ghana captain Andre Ayew tapped in to make it 3-0 but with eight minutes remaining, the match was stopped by officials a group of Ghanaian fans left the stands for fear of their own safety.
It looked as though the tie would be postponed after a large number of spectators exited the ground while players and officials stood around bemused.
Incredibly, however, the game was kicked off again and three minutes were played before the referee blew the final whistle.
Ghana progress to face Ivory Coast in the final.
Additional reporting by © AFP, 2015
Whatever about losing at home to the reigning European champions the performance last weekend was abysmal and surely must go down as the worst of the season. Edinburgh away will be tough as hell as they fighting for playoff and Heineken place. Ulster need a top performance to win that one.
@Ro Molloy: They’ll know what they have to do before kickoff as the Ospreys v Scarlets game will be over by then. If Scarlets don’t win they won’t be able to catch Ulster for a top 8 position so Ulster will be in the Heineken next year.
@TL55: that’s incorrect TL55. One of the eight positions in next year’s HEC is ringfenced for a Welsh team so Scarlets (or Ospreys if they past Scarlets) are confirmed. Ulster have to remain in 7th or better to qualify for next year’s HEC.
Big opportunity to get back on the horse.