Sunday's quarterfinals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations pitted Columbus Crew SC defenders Harrison Afful and Jonathan Mensah and the Ghana National Team against the DR Congo in Stade d’Oyem in Gabon. With a place in the tournament's Final Four on the line, Afful started and played the full 90 minutes at outside back.
Via the 2-1 final score, Ghana qualified for its sixth consecutive semifinals appearance in the tournament — which they hope to raise a continental title for the first time in 35-years. The Black Stars advanced thanks to goals by Jordan Ayew (62nd minute) and Andre Ayew (78th minute, penalty kick).
According to the BBC, Ghana and the DR Congo evenly split possession while Ghana placed 6-of-10 shots on frame opposite the DR Congo's 4-of-17.
Afful, Mensah and the Black Stars will next face four-time champion Cameroon on Thursday (2 p.m.). Cameroon outlasted Senegal 5-4 in penalties after a scoreless regulation and extra time on Sunday for a semifinal qualification.