Just when there was a grand exit from Estadio de Mongomo, with everyone convinced the match between Algeria and Ghana was headed for a goalless stalemate, Asamoah Gyan popped up in referee’s optional time to hammer home the winner for the Black Stars.
For their fans, it was cause for wild celebrations, but for their next opposition — Bafana Bafana — it was a timely reminder to be alert right up to the last minute of the game.
Fortunately, Shakes Mashaba’s men had made their way to the venue earlier than usual, being able to catch the remaining minutes of a clash between their group B rivals, and more important, Gyan’s first goal in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The striker, who was ruled out of Ghana’s opener and 1-0 defeat against Senegal a week ago due to malaria, admitted after the game that he was not fully fit, but was making great strides to get there.
Following 96 minutes on the pitch, and a goal, he would have certainly edged even closer to complete recovery by the time Ghana face SA in Mongomo tomorrow night. "It’s a great feeling to come back from illness and score," Gyan said.
"Personally I am very happy to get the goal and I have to thank my teammates for their support during a tough week. I was weak and they had to motivate me.
"They did an incredible job, especially the doctor, who really cared for me."
SA have beaten a Ghana team with Gyan in the line-up not long after the 2010 World Cup in a match played at FNB Stadium, a venue the striker remembers mostly for his missed penalty in the quarterfinals of the international football showpiece against Uruguay.
Gyana said Bafana had long earned his respect, but Ghana were also desperate for a win that would help them progress past the group stages of the premier African tournament. "They are a difficult side.
"They’ve got a young team and they’re still rebuilding. SA is a football nation and we look forward to a tough game."
Bafana, without a win so far, need a bit more luck to book a spot in the quarterfinals.