Ghana breathe easier at African Nations Cup

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-21 14:49

LUANDA: Ghana avoided the ignominy of becoming the first World Cup qualifiers not to make it past the Africa Cup of Nations first round thanks to a little help from a legend's son.

Ghana breathe easier at African Nations Cup

Missing Michael Essien and a score of first choice players the four-time champions still managed to book their place in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over 10-man Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

The only goal came from French-based Andre Ayew, son of one of Africa's most decorated players, Abedi 'Pele' Ayew, three-time Africa Footballer of the Year and a member of Marseille's 1993 Champions League winning side.

Ghana's reward was a last eight date with hosts Angola at Luanda's 11 November stadium on Sunday.

Algeria, the Group A runners-up, face Group B winners Cote d'Ivoire, with Burkina Faso down and out.

The main news off the pitch on day 10 of the competition came from Cabinda where Mali despatched a letter of protest at Monday's goalless draw between Angola and Algeria.

The shared point put those two sides through from Group A at the expense of Mali, who cried foul.

That attitude incensed the Mali team who wrote to organizers the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to make an official complaint.

AFP