Accra — Ghana's Black Stars qualified for the semifinals in Accra on Sunday by defeating Nigeria's Super Eagles 2-1 despite having one player less than their rivals.
Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra was filled to capacity as it hosted the first quarterfinal of the 2008 Cup of Nations. The rivalry between the two West African teams is one of the fiercest on the continental soccer stage.
From early afternoon, the fans in the stadium brought to the match a carnival-like spirit of fair play. On the field, however, the encounter opened differently. Sulley Muntari (Ghana) and Obinna Nwanerri (Nigeria) nearly came to blows right at the start.
But the players cooled down and both teams offered prudent, tactical play.
Ghana's Essien stirred up the stadium with a powerful kick from 30 meters, but he wasn't on target. Ghana dominated the first half, and on three occasions came close to scoring. Asamoah Gyan (25th minute), Owusu Abeyie (27th) and Agogo Junior (32nd) all failed to get the ball into the net.
The Super Eagles played without fear and were the first to score, thanks to a penalty kick after a foul by Eric Addo on Ikechukwu Uche at the 34th minute.
Yakubu Ayegbeni offered Nigerian fans a breath of fresh air by kicking the ball straight into Ghana's goal, despite intimidating roars from Ghana's fans (35th minute, 1-0). It was the time in the tournament that a team had scored first against the Black Stars.
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Some 10 minutes later Essien equalized with a splendid header following a crucial pass from Owusu Abeyie Quincy. Ghana's hopes remained high at halftime.
In the second half, Nigeria gained confidence and went on the offensive. Yakubu came close to scoring a second goal – a fly-over attempt that forced goalie Kingston Richard to overstretch and push the ball out.
At the 60th minute, Black Stars captain John Mensah was sent off the field for a foul on Osaze Odemwinge as the latter was heading for Ghana's goal. With only 10 men left, Ghana backpedalled slightly, with Michael Essien as the new captain.
But they regained their confidence, especially after Dramane and Kingston Laryea entered the game. The Black Stars' efforts finally paid off when Muntari booted a golden pass to Junior Agogo, who scored off it in the 83rd minute to make the score 2-1.
With only minutes left, Nigeria never managed to come back. Ghana thus advances to the semifinals, where they will play against the winner of Monday's game between Cameroon and Tunisia.
