Ghana 1-0 Nigeria
Asamoah Gyan's header after 20 minutes was enough to put the Ghanaians into the final
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 28, Jan 2010 06:09
By Alistair Potter.
Ghana earned themselves a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a scrappy 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the first semi-final.
A headed goal from Asamoah Gyan, who met a whipped corner at the near post, separated the sides, although the Super Eagles will be ruing several missed opportunities - especially in the second half.
Yakubu was guilty of the worst of the collection - kneeing a good low cross from Elderson Echiejile inexplicably high and wide from just six yards out.
The Everton striker looked dangerous after coming on as a substitute - providing more incisiveness than starting forward Obafemi Martins.
Ghana, who have been decimated by injuries to key players - most notably Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, played with one up front and were forced onto the back foot throughout.
But they were stout at the back, with goalkeeper Richard Kingson providing excellent cover with a couple of decent saves in the second period.
The Black Stars will face the winner of this evening's second semi-final between defending champions Egypt and England's World Cup group stage opponents Algeria.