Ghana came from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1 to book its place in the quarter finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Goals from substitute John Boye and Andre Ayew handed the Black Stars a deserved win in Mongomo.
Avram Grant’s team were however given a real scare when South Africa scored and held onto their lead until the 73rd minute.
The Black Stars should have taken the lead just inside the first five minutes of the game but Jordan Ayew was first denied by goalkeeper Nhlanhla Khuzwayo and then his rebound off the line by Mulomowandau Mathoho.
Bafana Bafan replied with a chance of their own in the 10th minute but Thuso Phala’s sweet drive failed to locate a teammate in the Ghana penalty box.
The South Africans however took the lead against the run of play in the 17th minute when Razak Braimah – off his line – failed to save a looping effort by Mandla Masango.
The goal gave Shakes Masahaba’s side the needed confidence to also have a share of the possession which was until then bossed by the Black Stars.
The Black Stars had to wait until the 33rd minute to have a sniff at goal again as Baba Rahman’s fierce drive off a rebuffed free kick was punched clear by goalkeeper Khuzwayo.
Coach Avram Grant was forced to make his first chance two minutes later as dependable defender Daniel Amartey limped off with an injury and was replaced by John Boye.
South Africa defender Anele Ngcongca was the first to get booked for petulance after fouling Andre Ayew.
Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah was soon called into action again five minutes to recess as he had to go down well to save a goal-bound header by Bongani Ndulula.
The Black Stars started the second half with the clear intention of getting an early equalizer and were rightly awarded a free kick just outside the South Africa penalty area after Asamoah Gyan had been fouled a minute into the restart.
Asamoah Gyan’s resultant kick was however went just a shade above the cross bar much to the relief of the Bafana Bafana fans.
Ghana lunched a persistent attacking raid on the South African defence but the Bafana Bafana guard was still holding.
The Black Stars came close to fetching the equalizer in the 57th minute when Jordan Ayew sent in a teasing cross but goalkeeper Khuzwayo rushed out to punch the ball off the head of the waiting-to-pounce Asamoah Gyan.
South Africa effected their first chance a minute later as Thuso Phala was withdrawn for Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Avram Grant played his final cards by throwing on Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Kwesi Appiah for Mubarak Wakaso and Jordan Ayew with 19 minutes left to play.
Ghana’s persistence however paid off in the 73rd minute when John Boye tucked in a loose ball in the South Africa penalty box.
South Africa immediately withdrew Tokelo Rantie and brought on Thapelo Mabokgwane.
Ghana however got the next chance with Asamoah Gyan toe-poking the ball into the path of Kwesi Appuah whose strike was saved by goalkeeper Khuzwayo for a corner kick.
It was all Ghana form there on as the Black Stars made a late surge in search of the winner.
The Black Stars eventually got the deserved lead in the 83rd minute with Andre Ayew diving into a delightful cross by Baba Abdul Rahman.
South Africa coach Shakes Mashabe then threw on Bernard Parker for Bongani Ndulula to force a late equalizer off the obviously tiring Ghana.
Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah was booked for time wasting as his team labored to grind to the end against a resurgent South African side.