AFCON 2015: Chaos in Malabo as Ghana Lead Equatorial Guinea at Half-Time
Tensions escalated dramatically at halftime of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Ghana and host nation Equatorial Guinea, as the Black Stars went into the break with a 2–0 lead. Goals from Jordan Ayew (penalty) and Mubarak Wakaso silenced the home crowd, but also triggered scenes of chaotic unrest in the stands.
As the Ghanaian players made their way to the dressing room, they had to be escorted by security forces under a protective barricade, with projectiles raining down from the enraged home supporters. A similar security deployment was required again at the start of the second half, as supporters behind the Ghana bench became increasingly aggressive.
Such violent and unsportsmanlike behavior may not go unpunished. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will likely launch an investigation, and sanctions against Equatorial Guinea could follow.
Despite the charged atmosphere, Ghana remained composed on the pitch, and their professionalism is currently being tested both physically and mentally in this heated environment. The AFCON 2015 semi-final is now as much about football as it is about controlling tensions off the pitch.
