Ghana hit quarter-finals

Ghana are through to the quarter-finals of the U-20 World Cup in Turkey after a 3-2 victory over Portugal, inspired by a match-winning performance from substitute Yiadom Boakye.

The Italy-based striker set up the equaliser and then scored a late winner as Ghana came from 2-1 behind to seal the win. Kennedy Ashia and Michael Anaba also scored for the Black Satellites.

The victory earns them a place against Chile in the last eight after Chile’s 2-0 win over Croatia.

Kennedy Ashia had put Ghana ahead with a 25-yard effort in the 19th minute. Ghana held on until the 71st minute when defenders Tiago Ferreira and Edgar both scored within the space of two minutes to put Portugal ahead in the 73rd.

The match was to take more twists and turns with the introduction of Boakye in the 75th minute. The player, who is on Juventus’ books and has been on loan to lower league Italian side Sassuolo, made an immediate impact.

His shot at Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa was saved, but it allowed Michael Anaba to pounce on the rebound for the equaliser.

Boakye then followed up with a goal of his own by sending a free kick through the two-man wall five minutes from time for a famous win.

Portugal dominated possession but ultimately paid the price for failing to make it count.

The 2011 runners-up had scored the most goals in the group stage but failed to convert two early chances. Aladje was left unmarked but sent his effort over the crossbar after 15 seconds while Bruma, who scored five times in three group matches, shot wide a minute later.

Ghana were the last team to qualify for the knockout stage, after losing two group matches and narrowly advanced on goal difference following a 4-1 defeat of the United States.