Ghana came back from the brink of elimination with two goals in the last 17 minutes to beat South Africa 2-1 and make the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals on Tuesday.

The four-time champion was heading for a rare early exit at the continental championship after Mandla Masango's spectacular volleyed goal for South Africa in the 17th minute.

But a desperate Ghana turned it around in the second half at Mongomo Stadium.

Substitute John Boye scored from close range in the 73rd minute and Andre Ayew headed home 10 minutes later for a victory that took Ghana from exiting the tournament to qualifying as winners of Group C.

Algeria also made the quarterfinals from Group C after a 2-0 win over Senegal in Malabo.