By Victor Okoye
Ghana’s Ayew brothers grabbed a goal each on Sunday for the Black Stars to beat DR Congo 2-1 and advance into the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals.
Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew opened scoring in the 62nd minute, curling the ball past Ley Matampi in the Leopards’ goal.
Paul-Jose M’Poku equalised for DR Congo with a sensational curling long-range effort from outside the penalty area.
West Ham’s Andre Ayew then coolly dispatched a winning penalty kick, sending Matampi the wrong way to seal the win in the 78th minute.
The Ayew brothers are sons of Ghana football legend Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew, ranked among the greatest African footballers of all time.
Ghana, seeking a first Cup of Nations title since 1982, will play Cameroon next Thursday in Franceville for a final place.
Although Ghana had more possession during a goalless first half, it was DR Congo who came closest to scoring in a stadium surrounded by dense rain forest.
Giant Hull City striker Dieumerci Mbokani featured prominently for the Congolese Leopards, and one of his attempts was foiled by the woodwork.
A suicidal back pass from Ghanaian Harrison Afful was intercepted by Mbokani, who rounded goalkeeper Razak Brimah, but his scuffed, angled tap hit the post.