Jan 24, 2013 at 6:42pm

The Black Stars have collected all three points needed to stay in the on-going Africa Cup Nations in South Africa by beating their Malian counterparts by a goal to nil.

Mubarak Wakaso put them ahead by converting a penalty that was won when Emmanuel Agyemang Badu was fouled in the box.

The Black Stars of Ghana started the game with some bit of uncertainty as former Barcelona star, Seydou Keita came close to getting a goal when he curled an 18-yard free kick which went literally millimetres around the left post.

The first half of the game was generally bland as both teams, in an attempt to prevent going down by a goal, kept their game play cagey.

Shots from Albert Adomah, Harrison Afful and a header from Agyemang-Badu almost put Ghana in the lead.

It was however not until 38th minute when Agyemang-Badu was fouled by Mali defender Adama Tamboura in the area that Ghana got the chance to score.

Mubarack Wakaso converted.

Goal scoring chances in the second half of the game were few and far between as both teams enjoyed their fair share of yellow cards, chances and very close shaves.

An Asamoah Gyan curler in the 55th minute stood out in particular.

Ghana faces Niger next on Monday January 28.



By:Philip Kofi Ashon/citifmonline.com/Ghana