Crowd violence mars Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final win

Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker admitted he was saddened while Ghana star Andre Ayew was bitter over the violence and chaos which overshadowed Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

Riot police used batons and tear gas to quell violent home supporters who launched missiles and water bottles onto terrified Ghana fans as well as onto the pitch at the 15,000-seater Estadio de Malabo.

The match, which Ghana won 3-0, was stopped in the 82nd minute and was held up for more than 35 minutes as players from both sides sought a safe haven in the centre of the pitch.

Ghana fans raced from the terraces to take shelter from the attacks behind one of the goals.

A helicopter hovered overhead as harassed officials dithered over whether or not to abandon the game.

The semi-final did eventually restart but Gabonese referee Eric Otogo played only a few minutes before ending the one-sided game.

“What concerns me is what happened with the supporters, I am very sad,” said Argentine coach Becker.

Equatorial Guinea striker Emilio Nsue added: “I am desolate for all the team. I have never played in a match in this kind of atmosphere.”

Ghana’s former Chelsea coach Avram Grant admitted he feared for the welfare of his players.