Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu has lauded the mentality of defender Kwabena Adusei after the centre-back played through the pain barrier in their quarter-final win.
Adusei scored a 67th minute penalty but was withdrawn shortly after that due to injury.
The Asante Kotoko player picked up the injury before he elected himself to convert the spot-kick which ensured Ghana eliminated DR Congo 1-0.
“Kwabena Adusei complained two days ago of a groin injury, but it was treated and during the game against DR Congo he approached me with tears in his eyes that he needed to be replaced because the injury had been aggravated in the game," Konadu told Metro FM in Ghana on Monday.
“But I told him to stay on for the next five minutes, because there was the need for someone to warm-up and he agreed to do so. It was during this period that the penalty came and once again he mustered courage to go for the kick, which sent Ghana into the semi finals
“If it were any other player who was going through such pains the he wouldn’t have stayed on, let alone taking a crucial penalty for his side, so he needs to be commended for such high level of mental toughness.â€
Adusei has been cleared and should be fit to start against Nigeria on Wednesday in the semi-final.