Group D: Ghana 1-0 Botswana
How it happened: John Mensah was the most relieved man in Franceville last night as 10-man Ghana hung on for a nervy 1-0 win over Botswana in their opening game.
Mensah scored the game’s only goal when he bundled home a corner at the back post in the 25th minute, but the Ghanaian captain’s joy turned to despair midway through the second half when he shown the first red card of this year’s tournament.
In the 67th minute, Mensah dragged down Jerome Ramatlhakwane on the edge of the box, leaving referee Badara Diatta with little option but to show him a straight red.
Botswana pressed on for an equaliser in the final stages, but even with an extra man, couldn’t find a way through to nick a point on their African Cup of Nations debut.
Key player: John Boye. The Ghanaian defender, who plays his club football with Rennes in France, was solid in defence and helped launch Ghana’s attacks from the back. His acrobatic goal-line clearance in the 51st minute denied Botswana’s Moemedi Moatlhaping a certain equaliser.
Turning point: Mensah’s sending-off. Although it didn’t change the result, it allowed Botswana to be that little bit more adventurous and contributed to a tense finale for the Ghanaians.
YouTube Credit: mohailem
Group D: Mali 1-0 Guinea
How it happened: A deflected strike from Bakaye Traoré got Mali off to a winning start with a 1-0 win in last night’s West African derby against Guinea.
Traoré scored the game’s only goal in the 30th minute when his shot from the edge of the box glanced off a defender’s knee on its way to the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Naby Yattara with little chance.
Guinea had their fair share of chances to equalise, the best coming in stoppage time when Pascal Feindouno’s long-range effort worked Malian keeper Soumaila Diakite, who had to be alert to tip over the bar.
Key player: Soumaila Diakite. The Malian keeper made a pair of important saves in the opening 20 minutes which kept his side level despite a slow start, and ensured all three points for Mali when he tipped over Feindouno’s long-range effort in stoppage time.
Turning point: Traoré’s goal. Guinea started and finished the game as the stronger side, but became increasingly frustrated as their efforts to chase an equaliser proved fruitless.
YouTube Credit: mohailem
Next up: We’re back to Group A as the second round of group games get underway this evening. First up, it’s Libya v Zambia at 16:00 GMT, followed by Equatorial Guinea v Senegal at 19:00 GMT.