Source: Xinhua

02-04-2008 17:59

Special Report:   2008 African Cup

ACCRA, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- Although a red card for Ghana extended Nigeria's staff advantage, the Black Stars defeated Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday and secured the first position in the semifinals of the Africa Nations Cup (ANC) with a goal of Manuel Agogo with just eight minutes left.

It is the fourth consecutive victory of the host of the 26th Africa Nations Cup.

Benouza Mohamed (R2), the referee, shows a red  card to Mensah John of Ghana in the quarterfinal  match of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Accra,  Ghana Feb. 3, 2008. Ghana won the match 2-1 and  entered the semifinal. (Xinhua Photo)

In the match which was called as a classic clash between two West Africa soccer powers, both Ghana and Nigeria were dangerous for each other on several occasions and at the same time played with cautious in defense.

The fight in the midfield was fiercer than the past matches. In the 34th minute, Nigeria was awarded a penalty due to a foul of Ghana and Yakubu Ayegbeni scored easily for the Super Eagles.

Ghana caught up very quick with an opportunity of a free kick. Just before the end of the first half, Chelsea striker Michael Essien received a pass from Ali Sulley Muntari and scored for the Black Stars with a crafty header.

In the second half, Ghana's captain John Mensah had to leave the field for a red card. The 10-manned squad did not bring any obvious advantage to Nigerians, however.

After several unfulfilled charges, Ghana's striker Agogo who was standing just before the net changed a pass from Muntari into a golden goal, sending the host country into the semi-finals.

Ghana will play with the winner of the quarterfinal between Tunisia and Cameroon on Thursday in the Ghanaian capital of Accra.