Accra, Jan 28 (IANS): Ghana President John Dramani Mahama Wednesday praised his country's football team for beating South Africa in an epic encounter in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea.

The Black Stars qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition after beating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 2-1 in the last group match Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

South Africa scored first in the first half but a great comeback from Ghana got them the victory. Defender John Boye scored Ghana's equaliser in the 73rd minute before Andre Dede Ayew scored 10 minutes later.

President Mahama took to Twitter to shower praise on the national team for the incredible triumph.

"Incredible performance from the Black Stars. Thanks for holding high the flag of Ghana and for making Ghanaians proud. Congratulations!," President Mahama tweeted.

The win, the first by the Black Stars over South Africa in an Afcon game, sent Ghana to the top of the standings.

Ghana and Algeria, who defeated Senegal 2-0 in the other game, are through the group stage to the quarters.

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