Mensah: 'Ghana exhibited maturity'

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah says his side showed maturity and could have beaten South Africa by a greater margin in last night's Africa Cup of Nations clash.

The Black Stars defeated Bafana Bafana 2-1in Mongomo to secure qualification for the quarterfinals. John Boye equalized and Dede Ayew scored in the 73rd and 83rd minutes respectively after Mandla Masango had accurately landed a thunderbolt to beat goalkeeper Razak Braimah in the 17 th minute.

The result saw Ghana finish first to Algeria in Group C, while Senegal, who started the evening as group leaders, were forced into third place and denied progression after suffering a 0-2 to Algeria in a concurrent match, for South Africa to finish bottom of the log.

“The team showed some maturity overall. We didn't put ourselves in a difficult situation,” said Mensah in the wake of the match.

“We could have scored more goals; we caused them a lot of problems. We adapted well to their direct play based on long balls after their first goal.

“We must also congratulate the substitutes who brought in some fresh legs.”

Ghana now faces the winner of Group D (Mali, Cameroon, Ivory Coast or Guinea) in the fourth quarterfinal, which will be played in Malabo on February 1.  Story by Ghana/Myjoyonline/Tony Bebli/[email protected]