Goals from brothers Jordan Ayew and Dede Ayew gave the Black Stars a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the third quarter-final match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Played on Sunday at the Stade d’Oyem, the match pitched the winners of Group C, the Congolese, against the runners-up of Group D, the Ghanaians.
But it was the West Africans whose win gives them a record sixth successive semi-final appearance in Africa’s flagship tournament.
The match began with an early scare in the 7th minute when the Stars’ defence failed to clear a Harrison Afful header.
Communication between defender Daniel Amartey and goalkeeper Razak Braimah cracked.
But Hull City’s Dieumerci Mbokani failed to hit the back of the net after beating the Ghanaian goalie.
The Stars, at the end of the first half, shaded possession, nonetheless.
But it got messy in the second half with the Seychellois referee Bernard Camille flashing his cards.
Mubarak Wakaso, one of the players booked, won possession in midfield for Ghana in 63rd minute and found striker Jordan Ayew, who beat Ley Matampi in post, to open the score.
But five minutes later, the two-time African champions took advantage of a lapse in concentration on the part of the Stars and Paul-Jose M’Poku’s shot beat Braimah.
With the match almost certainly heading to extra-time, Christian Atsu was fouled in the penalty area, giving the four-time champions an opportunity to lead again.
He appeared to be goal-bound until the Congolese defender tripped him.
Dede Ayew picked the ball and beat Matampi to score his second penalty and second goal in the tourney.
Coach Avram Grant curiously made no substitutions.
Ghana will on Thursday play Cameroon for a place in the final.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana