Asamoah Gyan fired Ghana into the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2017) on Saturday while Uganda suffered a heart-wrenching 1-0 defeat to Egypt that saw them become the first team to exit the tournament.
Ghana’s narrow win in Port-Gentil ensures they join Senegal as the only two sides to have secured berths in the knockout stages of the competition so far.
The four-time champions – out to break a 35-year drought – will secure top spot by avoiding defeat to Egypt in their last group match on Wednesday.
Avram Grant’s side was quick to settle down in the awful conditions, and Andre Ayew missed a glorious opportunity when he fired wide from a Christian Atsu assist.
However, it was a different story in the 21st minute as Black Stars talisman, Gyan, headed in a Jordan Ayew cross to put his side in the driver’s seat.
It was his eighth goal at the Cup of Nations – the most of any Ghanaian – and allowed his side to see off Malian pressure in the second period as they secured the three points.
Seven-time champions, Egypt, need only a point to be sure of progress from Group D after taking their chance when it came with a minute left against the Cranes of Uganda.
The Pharaohs seemed to be heading for another 0-0 draw when Roma’s Mohamed Salah set up substitute, Abdallah El Said to fire home with a minute left of regulation time.
A blockbuster is on the cards Sunday as hosts Gabon must beat four-time champions Cameroon in Libreville to be sure of progressing to the last eight, while Burkina Faso take on Guinea-Bissau in another crucial encounter.
