By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial
Everton winger Christian Atsu hit a stunning brace as the Black Stars cruised to the semi-finals of the AFCON 2015 tournament after beating Guinea 3-0 in Malabo.
Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah had profited from a defensive howler by defender Tamsir Paye to score between Atsu's 3rd and 61st minute goals at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo.
Atsu's sweet curler from 20 yards out goes straight into the books for a goal of the tournament contender as Ghana book a straight fifth semi-final berth.
RAZAK BRIMAH (GOALKEEPER) 7
The Mirandes man had little to do on the afternoon. He could be credited for proper organisation which told in the Guineans try shots on target.
HARRISON AFFUL (RIGHT-BACK) 8
Calm cool and collected at right back. Showed great telepathy with Christian Atsu on the flanks. Handsome performance from the Esperance de Tunis man.
BABA RAHMAN (LEFT-BACK) 8.5
For Baba, it was another testament of his impressive form at Augsburg. His talent propelled his abilities and confidence and he handled the Guineans with such ease.
JOHN BOYE (CENTER-BACK) 7
Boye returned to the line-up as replacement for FC Copenhagen defender Daniel Amartey who picked a thigh injury against South Africa. The Kayseri Erciyesspor center-back was rewarded for scoring the leveller against the Bafana Bafana on Thursday. Enjoyed a great partnership with Jonathan Mensah. He was the better of the two.
JONATHAN MENSAH (DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD) 7
You could actually count the number of time the Guineans breached the Ghana defence to threaten Briamah's area. Mensah won almost all his challenges against Sylla before he went off.
WAKASO MUBARAK (MIDFIELD) 8.5
Workaholic and tireless. The Celtic man run all afternoon making all the important interventions in midfield. Though his set-piece articulations could not result in a goal his long range pass from midfield to Atsu resulted in the winger scoring that sensational goal.
AFRIYIE ACQUAH (RIGHT MIDFIELD) 8.5
A true blocking shield. Seemed better than Makelele at his peak. The Parma midfielder squashed and destroyed Michael Dussuyer's formation from his area. Acquah basically ensured he was the great beast that stamped out the Guineans and their ambitions!
CHRISTIAN ATSU (LEFT MIDFIELD) 9 (STAR-MAN)
The Everton winger was a trouble for both the Guinean keeper and his defenders. After scoring the opener in the 3rd minute, he perpetually harassed them on flanks with the deft movements and nimble-footed abilities. Man of the match performance from the Chelsea player.
ANDRE AYEW (ATTACKING MIDFIELD) 8.5
Provided an exquisite back-heel for Christian Atsu to score the opening goal in the 3rd minute. Andre in the opening halve was a true definition of tenacity. Workaholic and mobility in the attacking third. Two goals and two assists in the competition so far. Great display from the Olympique Marseille man.
KWESI APPIAH (FORWARD) 8.5
What a debut! That simplicity that fed the ball to Andre Ayew for the assist for the opening goal. Scored a well-composed finish just before the interval to cushion the lead for the Black Stars, saying thank to the Guinean defender who gave the ball away. The Crystal Palace forward started his first international game for Ghana replacing Lorient's Jordan Ayew in the line-up.
ASAMOAH GYAN (FORWARD) 6
Calmer afternoon. The Ghana captain struggled to get to the aerial supplies as Tamsir and Sankoh marked him out of space. He had a couple of chances he could converted yet missed.
SUBSTITUTES
FRANK ACHEAMPONG (WING) 5.5
The Anderlecht man came on as replacement for hero Christian Atsu and he exhibited some splendid skills and quick movements on the flanks, beating his markers on a couple of times.
RABIU MOHAMMED (MIDFIELD) 5
Did not have enough time to make his influence felt.