Ghana received a major confidence booster, and verification of their ability, with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Mali in Group D of the African Nations Cup in Franceville.
The 2-0 win ensured a 100 percent record after the first two games, but more importantly re-enforced the power and the potential of the Black Stars.
Mali were always going to be a tough opponent but after trading blows in the first half, and being stuck in a vicious midfield battle, Ghana slowly gained the upper hand in the second half to emphasise their qualities. Their performance was topped by two marvellous goals that showed the quality of potential match winners that are in the Ghana squad.
Asamoah Gyan scored with a swerving free kick that kept up the high standard of goals at the Nations Cup tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon - particularly from set pieces.
That gave Ghana the lead just after the hour mark.
Ayew showed why he was one of three finalists for the recent African Footballer of the Year award with his swerving antics that left the Mali defence sprawling and finished off with a powerful and accurate shot for the second goal.
Ghana now need a single point from their last game against Guinea, although this too will be a testing match because effectively Guinea must win to go through.
But while the Black Stars prepare for Wednesday's crunch in Franceville, they can reflect on an impressive showing against Mali's Eagles.
"This was a very important victory and we hope to continue to make Ghana proud," Gyan said after the game.
"We had a few difficulties in the first half, but the boys showed strong character and we changed tactics and put pressure on them to make mistakes in the second half," he added.
For Mali, the turning point came when Cheikh Tidiane Diabate's free kick hit both posts but failed to cross the line, the best opportunity that Mali had throughout the match and indeed the best chance of the first half.
"Had that free kick gone in, the game would have changed. But once the Ghanaians got the first goal we had to run after the result and they have extensive experience," said Mali's midfielder Seydou Keita.
"But we just have to win against Botswana. Even if tonight we are disappointed, depressed, do not forget we can still qualify. No matter the score, we just need to win... Then we can party."
