Asamoah Gyan scored in the first half through a powerful header as Ghana booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations when they beat Mali 1-0 on Saturday.

Andre Ayew fired wide from six yards before Asamoah Gyan headed in the opener as the Black Stars started well in the first half with nice displays.

For Mali they were left to rue of missed chances with Moussa Marega failing to slot ball home in two good occasions.Ghana goalie with his hidden spiderman Juju superbly saved Kalifa Coulibaly’s shot later in the second half with Ghana absorbing much pressure.

With one game to spare,Black Stars became the second team after Senegal to book a space in the semifinals,while Mali will have to beat Uganda Cranes with a hope that the next fixture results to a goalless draw.

Mali controlled the midfield a result that made create many chances in the second half.

Both Marega and Coulibaly at one occasion seemed to be hungry for goals,threatening with hard shots that were easily collected by the keeper.

Salif Coulibaly shot after an hour mark and Hamari Traore 20-yard volley were some other open chances that were not utilized.

The Eagles of Mali had also had a last-gasp appeal for a penalty turned down after Molla Wangue was brough down inside the box.

Black Stars were a shadow of themselves in the second half with no meangful threat at the Malian defence.

Mali now have an uphill task that has been brough now to be just mathematical chances to make it to the next round.

For Asamoah Gyan his goal made him to enter into Ghana football nook of records as he is now the country’s all-time top scorer in the Africa Cuo of Nations with eight goals one ahead ofn legedary Osei Kofi.

Line-ups

Ghana: Razak, Amartey, Boye, Atsu, Afful, Partey, Acheampong, M. Wakaso, A. Gyan (Badu 82′), J. Ayew (Acquah 90′), A. Ayew

Mali: Sissoko, T. Hamari, Salif, Wague, O. Coulibaly, Sylla, S. Yatabare (Bissouma 46′), Ndiaye, M. Yatabare (Doumbia 63′), Marega (K. Coulibaly 79′), Sako