Ghana coach Avram Grant said on Tuesday that his side were worthy winners after a 2-1 success against South Africa took them through to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations.

"We started the match very well with two or three good chances. We had the match in our hands. I am very happy that the players showed, just as in their last match, a good spirit and good attitude," said the Israeli.

Ghana trailed 1-0 in Mongomo but came back to triumph thanks to goals from John Boye and Andre Ayew and go through as Group C winners.

Former Chelsea boss Grant added: "We deserve it because South Africa were not better than us. We have finished first in the group of death, which is not bad.

"After losing the first match we showed great attitude in the second and continued along the same lines today."

Captain Asamoah Gyan, whose last-gasp goal secured a 1-0 win against Algeria in the Black Stars' last outing, added: "I have played at five Cups of Nations, but this group was the hardest.

"We were very strong mentally, even after conceding the first goal.

"We kept believing and fought to the end knowing that we could win. With this team we can take on anyone in this competition."

Ghana will now face the runners-up in Group D in Malabo on Sunday.