AFCON: Mali, Egypt draw, Ghana beat Uganda to top group

In their opening game at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana bagged the full three points as Andre Ayew’s penalty was enough to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Uganda in Group D.

The four-time champions’ bid for a first African Cup of Nations title in 35 years started in a lackluster opener against the Cranes of Uganda, who are making it to the biennial tournament for the first time since finishing second to champions Ghana in 1978.

Ayew, a West Ham winger, netted in the 32nd minute after Asamoah Gyan was held back by Isaac Isinde in the penalty area in Stade de Port-Gentil in Gabon on Tuesday evening.

Ghana coach Avram Grant, a former Chelsea manager, is looking to lead the 2015 AFCON losing finalists to a second successive final but go better than the last time when his team lost to title holders Ivory Coast.

Read Also: AFCON: DR Congo beat Morocco 1-0 to top Group

In the other group D encounter, Mali and Egypt played out a 0-0 draw, as the game was somewhat low on quality especially during the first half, due to the poor pitch which prevented pretty, passing football.

Egypt were forced into an early change when goalkeeper Ahmed El-Shenawi was forced off with a hamstring problem before the end of the first 45 minutes. He was replaced by 44-year-old Essam El Hadary, a three-time winner of the tournament who became the competition’s oldest player.

The Pharaohs are looking for a record eighth AFCON title, while Mali’s best performance in the competition was in 1972, when they lost 3-2 in the final to Congo-Brazzaville.

The results on Tuesday mean Ghana now top the group with three points and one goal, followed by Egypt and Mali with one point each, and Uganda right at the bottom of the group.

The Black Stars will play Mali on Saturday, while the Pharoahs will play to earn their first win and revive their hopes of advancing into the next round of the tournament when they meet Uganda on the same day.

 

 

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