Avram Grant’s praised his Ghana heroes after they won the Group of Death to progress at the African Cup of Nations.

Written off by many before the tournament, a 2-1 victory over South Africa, who are captained by Dean Furman, ensured they finished the group ahead of Algeria.

Having taken charge of the team in December, Grant insists his experience has been key in the team’s progress.

He said: “Having to learn every day about my team has not been easy but I think I now know enough about all of them.

"The Nations Cup is nothing new to me. I've been watching it all my life. Obviously being here is a little different to what I've done before but I did a lot of research and preparation.

"The game was in our hands. I'm very happy for the players, they showed once again as they did in the previous game their spirit and the determination. We came through the Group of Death."

Furman believes South Africa only have themselves to blame for an early exit after finishing bottom of Group C. They took the lead in all three of their matches but failed to win any of them.

"We allow the other team to advance into our half and that's proved costly for us.

"We stopped playing the football that's been so good for us over the last two games and we kept giving the ball away and when you do that, you going to invite pressure, Ghana are a good side and they made us pay."