Ghana Miss Chances But Still Win Opener
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Missed chances could have cost Ghana but in the end a wonder goal was enough to ensure they won the opening match of the 2008 MTN Africa Cup of Nations.
A late stunning strike from Sulley Muntari secured a 2-1 victory for the Black Stars over Guinea on Sunday.
The host nation took the lead through Italy-based striker Asamoah Gyan who converted from the spot before Omar Kalabane levelled to set up a tense finish to the Group A encounter.
The visitors however lost concentration with only a minute remaining and Muntari had enough space to unleash a 20-yard thunderbolt which flew into the top right-hand corner to send the home fans into ecstasy.
But the margin could have been much wider if the Black Stars had not been profligate before the break.
Gyan was the worse offender as the Udinese striker fluffed a good scoring chance on 10 minutes after being put through by Muntari but he shot wide.
Few moments later Gyan failed to take advantage by Guinea keeper Kemoko Camara who inadvertently shot into the striker's path but the Udinese ace mis-hit the shot as Ghana dominated.
Ghana continued their supremacy but they were unlucky as their three efforts came off the post in their search for the opener in Accra.
Debutante Quincy Owusu-Abeyie sent in a neat cross but Junior Agogo's header hit the woodwork before rolling across the face of goal.
Michael Essien also hit the post with a header from Laryea Kingston's cross before Muntari's effort from the edge of the box struck the upright just before the break.
But the Black Stars were not to be denied after the interval when Omar Kalabane brought down Agogo in the box in the 54th minute and Gyan this time made no mistake from the spot.
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Camara made a spectacular save in the 78th minute from youngster Andre Ayew but the impressive keeper has no answer for Muntari's late effort.
Muntari admits that the Black Stars must improve their scoring rate if they are to make an impact in this tournament.
"We had a lot of chances and if we had taken them especially in the first half we could have killed their confidence," the Portsmouth midfielder told MTNFootball.com.
"It is good that we won the game and this can only make our confidence grow for our subsequent matches but we have to start taking our chances.
"For Ghana we are known to be slow starters in tournaments so as the competition continues we will grow in confidence."
While Ghana look comfortable following their victory the Guinea keeper is unhappy about their loss of concentration late in the game.
