A goal by Asamoah Gyan was enough for Ghana to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali in their African Cup of Nations match at Stade de Port-Gentil on Saturday.

The Black Stars got off to a good start and had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute Gyan beat his markers before setting up Andre Ayew, who fired his shot wide of the target.

However, Ghana then broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Gyan headed the ball into the back of the net from a Jordan Ayew cross to make it 1-0.

Meanwhile, Mali struggled to break down the Black Stars defence as they failed to carve out any real chances in the final third.

In the opening 45 minutes of the match, the scoreline remained 1-0 in favour of the Black Stars as they went into the half-time interval.

However, in the second half, Mali looked a more livelier side and came close to levelling matters with Coulibaly and Doumbia.

Alain Giresse went close to finding an equalising goal in the 70th minute but Traore saw his volleyed effort blazed into the side netting from 25-yards out.

Mali once again came close to levelling matters in the 90th minute but Brimah produced a fine save to deny Moussa Doumbia’s volleyed attempt from close range.

However, Ghana managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead over Mali until the final whistle as they secure the victory and qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament.

Image: CAF website