Quick Report: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria

(GSM) – Ghana secured a berth in their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 1992 on Thursday with a grinding 1-0 victory over Nigeria in Luanda.

Asamoah Gyan’s header from a corner kick in the 21st minute held up as the winner as Nigeria controlled the vast majority of possession but could not find the breakthrough.

After a rather bland opening 20 minutes, Ghana finally blasted their way into the lead off of a corner kick.

Kwadwo Asamoah swung in the ball to the near post, and striker Asamoah Gyan hit a pinpoint header into the upper corner after gaining position in front of Nigeria defender Obinna Nwaneri.

Ghana picked up a bit of bad news in the 30th minute when Opoku Agyemang-Prempeh had to go off injured, replaced by Haminu Draman.

Nigeria attempted to pick up their pressure early in the second half, Chinedu Obasi striking into the side netting from a tough angle on 52 minutes.

Moments later, Ghana picked up another potential knock as defender Hans Sarpei came off with a noticeable limp, Ibrahim Ayew forced to take his place in the Black Stars side.

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson made a reaction save on the hour mark to keep Nigeria out when he charged down and deflected a chip by Obafemi Martins, he watched as Jon Obi Mikel wired wide of the target from 18 yards two minutes later.

Martins again looked dangerous running up the middle in the 79th minute when he looked certain to score, but a fantastic recovery and defending by Samuel Inkoom thwarted the striker in his efforts for the equalizer.

With Ghana on their heels content to defend, Nigeria’s last ditch effort from 25 yards by Sani Kaita sailed wide in the second minute of added time.