Muntari fires host nation

Mark Gleeson
Sunday 20 January 2008 20:00 EST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sulley Muntari struck a wonder goal in the final minute to give the hosts Ghana a 2-1 win over Guinea in the opening match of the African Nations Cup in Accra last night.

Ghana hit the woodwork three times, took the lead 10 minutes into the second half but in the end had to rely on a 25-yard bullet from Muntari to secure all three points at the Ohene Djan stadium.

The home side, whose best efforts came in the first half, held their lead for just 10 minutes before Guinea scored an equaliser and then threatened to spoil the home party in the final stages. But Muntari delivered a goal following a forceful run just when the 45,000 sellout crowd seemed to be settling for a disappointing draw.

Ghana began brightly and Junior Agogo hit the post with a forceful header after 20 minutes.

Eight minutes later the midfielder Michael Essien headed against the same post from a corner and in the 40th minute a snap effort from Muntari also cannoned back off the post.

The opening goal came from the penalty spot when Oumar Kalabane brought down Agogo and the Seychelles referee Eddy Maillet pointed to the spot. Asamoah Gyan belted the spot-kick high into the net.

Kalabane then compensated for his error by grabbing the equaliser 10 minutes later from a corner, his header hitting the underside of the bar before bouncing in off the Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson's shoulder.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in