Cameroon are into the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Ghana 2-0 thanks to two goals in the final 18 minutes in Franceville.
Late second-half goals from Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Christian Bassogog secured Cameroon's passage to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final as they beat Ghana 2-0 on Thursday to set up a showdown with Egypt.
Cameroon failed to find the net during a first half which they dominated, but Hugo Broos' side held firm at the back and punished Ghana deep into the second period to confirm a repeat of the 2008 final that Egypt edged 1-0.
After a rather pragmatic approach to their quarter-final triumph over Senegal, Cameroon posed significantly more attacking threat to Ghana, with wingers Benjamin Moukandjo and Bassogog particularly prominent.
They failed to make the most of their superiority in the first half, though, and Ghana improved after the break to become the controlling force.
But Avram Grant's side endured similar woes in front of goal and their profligacy was punished by Ngadeu-Ngadjui 18 minutes from time – the defender pouncing on a defensive mix-up.
Ghana poured men forward in desperate fashion towards the end and that played into Cameroon's hands, as they added a second thanks to Bassogog in stoppage time, with the Indomitable Lions hoping to claim a first continental title since 2002.
Cameroon were criticised for appearing to play for penalties when they narrowly defeated Senegal in a shoot-out in the previous round, but there was no danger of similar accusations being repeated this time after they began in purposeful fashion.
They only had to wait eight minutes for their first chance, as Adolphe Teikeu met a corner delivery and saw his header cleared off the line by Harrison Afful.
Shortly after, Moukandjo sent a low cross towards the penalty spot from the left flank and Ndip Tambe hit a first-time effort straight at goalkeeper Razak Brimah.
Cameroon's early dominance did subside slightly, though Ghana struggled to carve out clear-cut chances.
They did eventually slice through the Cameroon defence, however, as Jordan Ayew raced on to Christian Atsu's through-ball and shot right across the face of goal from a tight angle.
Ghana improved after the break and they felt aggrieved about not being awarded a penalty early in the second half after Thomas Partey's half-volley appeared to deflect off Teikeu's arm in the area.
Mubarak Wakaso was the next to go close, forcing an acrobatic – albeit straightforward – save from Fabrice Ondoa with his curling 25-yard free-kick.
Ghana continued to apply meaningful pressure, but Ondoa and Cameroon held firm at the back.
The same could not be said about Ghana's defence, however, as a mix-up between Brimah and centre-back John Boye from a routine Cameroon free-kick allowed Ngadeu-Ngadjui to finish into an empty net from a tight angle.
Cameroon's solid defensive unit then took over, keeping their opponents at bay and they eventually wrapped things up in the third minute of stoppage time, as Bassogog raced clear on the break and supplied a cool finish past Brimah.
Source: Goal
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Mr common sense, do you really think you have common sense? In soccer, there are always 3 results; win, lose or draw. Ghana was beaten, period. You cannot blame the goalie or boye. Yes, they made a terrible mistake but they did their best. The defenders were working extra hard when clear goal scoring chances were being squandered by our for liners, notably the ayew brothers. The same chances which were beautifully scored by the Cameroonians fell on the path of Jordan but he kicked them away. Is this the fault of the coach, Mr common sense. Yes, the coach could faulted for not selecting the best players for the tournament as well as not playing someone like assifuah, but on the field of play, its all about the players. If you claim because razak insulted some section of Ghanaians he shouldn't have kept the post, how about the most dangerous saves he pulled in the game. We need to understand that soccer is for fun, you may win, lose or draw. We were beaten simply because Cameroun were better side who took their chances and we didn't. Better luck next time.
Common sense, thank you. you have said all that I wanted to say. You said it all ! I agree with you 100 %.
Some people don't have common sense.Sports Ministry,GFA , Black stars team, the Authorities, and especially the coach , doesn't common sense tell you that you don't have to let a Goal Keeper who has a problem with Ghanaians or vice versa,to be the goalie of the match ?Psychologically, that keeper will not put up his best.Secondly,doesn't common sense tell you people that, the Keeper that has been fined 2500 dollars for whatever , would like to sabotage the team ? Sometimes am surprised how people run their mouths and yet lack common sense .So you were expecting to win right ? I mean all the corrupt authorities who get money from players and make your selection for the coach, and get money from the coach also for him to maintain his job as coach,you don;t have common sense.SHAME ON YOU ALL ! All your evil deeds has been uncovered .
Show respect to your president! Black stars don't play for Ghana, they play for money. I think they should change their minds and put Ghana first when playing a match.
I have been one of the strongest supporters of Avram Grant, but today, he played with the worst Black Stars selection I have seen. I am opened to his dismissal. He does not understand African football. Let us find a coach from Serbia or some other low-level country to develop our players. Avram Grant has been a disappointment.
Sorry guys, better luck next time. It was just not for you. Don't get sick over it. Am also waiting to see what comes out of my team, the falcons on Sunday and we are preparing towards the Super Bowl.
This team must be dissolved immediately. I have always said and known that they won't get nowhere. They lack tactical discipline and they are awashed with money mentality instead of focusing on winning on the field. Their coach Grant must be fired ASAP. He does not coach .The country only spends tax payer's money on him to travel abroad to scout for players. This is not coaching. Any body can travel abroad to scout for players. He has failed the country. The players have failed the country. We need a new Black Stars devoid of politics and money mongering. How the problem would be solved is yet to be known. But for now , l always knew the Stars are getting no where just because of their mentality. Folks, it is over. Opportunity meets preparation. We lacked both.
I'm not suprise the Black stars lost, They were simply not good enough, they were lucky to have got that far.
Yaa just as u tightly reacted to KK I was expecting you to say same to Texas. I condem the two for being abusive.
***barred word*** tweemu woatsi. Your sticking mouth. Abo.wa ne ba like you. Ga.y man like you cleaning shi.t. Wo na ne tweeee like Korle lagoon.