Ghana became the second side to book a quarter-final place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon when they edged Mali 1-0 in Group D at the Stade de Port-Gentil on Saturday.
Experienced forward Asamoah Gyan grabbed the only goal of the game to become his country’s leading all-time scorer in the continental championship with an eighth career strike across six tournaments.
Egypt needed a goal two minutes from time by substitute Abdallah Said to beat Uganda 1-0, a result that ensured the east African side would be the first team eliminated from the tournament.
Photo: AFP
Ghana lead the pool with six points from two games, followed by Egypt with four, Mali one and Uganda zero.
Ghana rode their luck against Mali, but joined Group B side Senegal in the next round and now face a shootout for top spot in the group with Egypt on Wednesday.
West Ham United striker Andre Ayew missed a sitter when he shot wide of an open goal, but four minutes later Ghana were ahead as his younger brother Jordan Ayew whipped in a cross for Gyan to powerfully head home.
Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah had to make two excellent late saves to deny Kalifa Coulibaly and Bakary Sako as Mali pressed for an equalizer.
“We are pleased with our performance,” Gyan told reporters. “Whether we play an excellent match or not, we just want to win and advance in the tournament.”
It looked as though Egypt were headed for a second successive 0-0 draw, but were rewarded for their persistence when Said drilled the ball through the legs of Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango after being teed up by Mohamed Salah.
Egypt’s Argentine coach Hector Cuper was relieved that his side pulled off the win in testing conditions.
“It was difficult on that pitch and in this climate, but we won and that is the important thing,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely