Ghana beat South Africa to win All Africa Games gold

Ghana beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties to win the 2011 All Africa Games after both team tied 1-1 after regulation time. 

South Africa opened the scoring in the 86th minute through Eugene who struck inside the box after goalkeeper Daniel Agyei's save hit his chest and dropped in front of the on-rushing striker.

The Black Meteors never gave up and drew level added on time from the spot in what looked like a dubious penalty call by the referee.

Hearts of Oak striker Mahatma Otoo made no mistake and snatched the equalizer to push the game into extra-time.

Both sides failed to score after 120 minutes action and Ghana converted all four of their kicks while the Amagluglug missed two out of four kicks.

The feat also comes as a boost for local coaches as Akwasi Appiah's achievements with the team will restore their image.

Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi will also get some of the credit for leading the country into the right direction having won Africa's first U20 World Cup title and also sending the Black Stars to the World Cup for the first time.

Before South Africa went ahead, substitute Mumuni Abubakar was fouled after receiving a pass from Mahatma Otoo.

Morton teed up Otoo who unleashed a screamer which smashed the cross-bar with goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo completely beaten.

Ghana could not take advantage of the rebound as Prince Baffoe shot wide.

Before the first half of extra-time, goalkeeper Khuzwayo managed to keep South Africa's hopes alive by pulling a great save.

Ten minutes away from the final whistle, striker Eugene made a audacious attempt from 25 metres but that was always rising.

On 112 minutes, Edwin Gyimah blasted a low grounder but once again goalkeeper Khuzwayo parried it away for a corner-kick.

The resultant kick was wasted once again by the Black Meteors who failed to make anything meaningful from the numerous corner-kicks earned.

Four minutes later, Ali Nurudeen who replaced injured Richard Mpong, skied a nice opportunity inside the box.

A simple tap-in could have sealed the win for Kwesi Appiah's charges.

Both teams failed to create scoring opportunities afterwards and that meant the winner will be decided from the spot.

Ghana goalkeeper Daniel Agyei turned hero on the evening when he saved Eugene's kick, scored his side's second spot-kick and scared Shongwe to throw away South Africa's second kick.

The Meteors will for the first time win an All Africa Games gold medal in the quadrennial competition since 1965.

Ghana won bronze medals in 1978 and 2003.

Ghana: Agyei-Sefah, Sumaila, Morton, Adams-Gyimah, Asante (Abubakar 58’),  Mpong (Sarfo 109), Baffoe (Ali 89’)-, Otoo, Fiamenyo

South Africa: Khuzwayo, Pule, Mxoyana, Masalesa, Sangweni, Khumalo (Zulu 66’), Zwane, Shongwe, Mkhwanazi, Bhengu (Adolph 75’), Eugene