Ghana's World Cup heroes Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew again proved their value to the side with two brilliant goals to steer the Black Stars closer to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals.

The 2-0 win over Mali in Group D in Franceville on Saturday puts the Black Stars just one point away from the last eight.

Gyan hammered home a long range free kick in the 63rd minute and some 15 minutes later Ayew showed his talent with a swerving move that ended with him beating the Mali goalkeeper at the near post.

The result also emphasised the strength of the side, who became 18 months ago only the third African side to reach a World Cup quarter-final.

Gyan, both hero and villain at South Africa 2010, had been doubtful for Saturday's match but overcame a knock to play a pivotal part in a tough encounter.

Ghana also had Kwadwo Asamoah in the team for the first time in the tournament and he came closest to scoring in the first half, again showing his ability but then going just wide.

But Mali matched Ghana in a tough midfield battle and might have actually been ahead at half-time.

A 38th minute free kick from Cheikh Tidiane Diabate hit the right post of Ghana's goal, went across the face of the goal before hitting the left pole and bouncing out.

But after the break the Black Stars imposed themselves and began to stretch Mali's defence.

Gyan's long-range free kick confirmed their superiority while Ayew made sure of the victory.

He picked the ball up on the right wing, cut into the Mali box, foxed the defence with two smart swerves and then fired home the ball.

Mali were restricted in the second half and unable to make any chances, even with the influential Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita in their midfield.

Ghana are now on six points in the group but mathematically still not yet sure of a quarter-final place. They next meet Guinea in Franceville on Tuesday. Guinea and Mali have three points and Botswana, whipped 6-1 by Guinea earlier on Saturday, none.