Ghana cruises into African Cup quarters

Ghana cruises into African Cup quarters

 

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP)

Isaac Vorsah of Ghana (L) and Maazou Moussa Ouwo of Niger

Asamoah Gyan took center stage as Ghana finally announced itself as a valid title contender at the African Cup of Nations with a 3-0 win over Niger on Monday to top Group B and cruise into a quarterfinal against tournament debutant Cape Verde.

Gyan was at the heart of Ghana's flowing victory, giving it the lead in the sixth minute, setting up Christian Atsu in the 23rd and playing a major role in a third from John Boye early in the second half.

Gyan's slow start to the tournament had mirrored Ghana's sluggish early performances, but the four-time champion's title credentials were undeniable at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium against a Niger defense that had conceded just once previously in the group.