Equatorial
Guinea’s Africa Cup of Nations dream came to a disappointing end amid
more shameful scenes in Malabo on Thursday night.
The
hosts have lit up this tournament, performing footballing miracles,
backed by enthusiastic support. But as they exited at the semi-final
stage, those same fans showed an uglier side, throwing bottles at
Ghana’s players, staff and fans and eventually causing the game to be
stopped for more than half an hour.
With
eight minutes left and the Ghana fans being pelted with bottles from
both sides, the game was stopped for them to be escorted from the
stadium, amid fears for their safety.
Ghana players celebrate in front of coach Avram Grant en route to the Africa Cup of Nations final
Players wait on the pitch as a helicopter tries to control an agitated crowd in Malabo
Ghana players are shielded by riot police after being pelted by missiles at half-time
Police address the Equatorial Guinea supporters as trouble erupts towards the end of the game
Police attempt to evacuate fans as the game is delayed for over 30 minutes
Equatorial Guinea fans are pelted by water bottles as they try and calm the situation
A helicopter circles over the stadium in Malabo in an effort to control the shambolic scenes
The helicopter moves close enough to the stands to blow up debris and disperse fans
