Ghana's Group B Clash: 2013 African Cup of Nations Live Score, Highlights, Recap
By on January 28, 2013
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2013 African Cup of Nations—Group B.
Monday, January 28, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Final score:
Ghana 3 (Gyan 6', Atsu 23', Boye 48') beat Niger 0.
Analysis
Ghana booked their spot in the next round of the 2013 African Cup of Nations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Niger in their final Group B match.
The Black Stars got off to a perfect start from striker Asamoah Gyan, who would play a part in all three Ghana goals in this one. The Al Ain forward found the back of the net from close range before setting up Christian Atsu for his team's second—putting the game beyond all doubt when his header fell perfectly for John Boye to tap home on the goal line.
Niger were relatively poor here and will leave the tournament bottom of Group B without scoring a single goal for the entire competition. They were perhaps unlucky to do that here, when they had a goal incorrectly disallowed after 10 minutes, but the truth is it would have had little impact on this one.
Ghana cruised for most of the second half and probably should have had more goals to their name, with Gyan and Emmanuel Clottey both missing clear chances.
The Black Stars will now face Cape Verde in the next round of competition—a match that, if they play like they did today, should be relatively no trouble at all.
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Final remarks and comments.
Well that's it from me here, and full credit to Ghana here this afternoon, who showed they are certainly still a team to watch in the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Black Stars looked to have plenty still in reserve here against Niger, and with an easy draw against Cape Verde next, you'd have to think that they'll be a real threat.
Asamoah Gyan and Christian Atsu ran riot here for Ghana, as they moved through comfortable 3-0 winners over Niger. Which, without meaning to brag, yours truly predicted before the match. Which, for me, is a perfect note to sign off on.
Make sure you keep it on Bleacher Report for all the latest African Cup of Nations news, as well as the post-match analysis and news from this match also.
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90+4—FULL TIME FROM THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS.
GHANA WIN 3-0 OVER NIGER.
90+2'—Niger with a free kick inside the Ghana half.
Can they do anything with it here?
No. Ball is cleared by Ghana.
Both teams just waiting for the final whistle here.
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90—There will be four minutes of injury time added here.
Niger pressing for their opening goal of the tournament, but it's not happening for the Menas. Have been absolutely woeful in attack, midfield and defense in this second half.
Ghana barely even out of second or third gear, for mine.
87'—SOUMALIA with the yellow card for Niger.
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84'—Game has definitely died down here.
Niger know they are going home after this one and Ghana just content to knock it around in midfield and push forward when the opportunity provides.
Maybe a late goal for the Black Stars is looming, but can't see Niger getting on the board at all here—meaning they won't score a goal at 2013 AFCON.
In other Group B action, Mali and DR Congo tied at 1-1.
Winner of that game goes through to knockout rounds.
Mali hit the post twice in a minute with 10 minutes remaining. Very close.
81'—Clottey with the chance in the Niger box but it's cleared.
Almost for the substitute, but it's snuffed out. Too many Menas in the box to get through for Clottey.
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77'—SUBSTITUTION FOR GHANA.
OFF: Asamoah Gyan
ON: Emmanuel Clottey
Great game from the big man up front. Deserved rest.
75'—Chance for Niger here.
Nice save from Daona though keeps the Menas at bay.
Ghana dropping plenty of men back to deny any counterattack.
Locking this game down here.
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'73—Ghana stringing some passes well together in midfield.
Nice possession work from the Black Stars here, who know that they have this one in the bag. Simply going through the motions here. Too good for their opponents.
60'—SUBSTITUTION FROM GHANA.
OFF: Rabiu
ON: Boateng.
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70'—SHOT FROM GYAN ON GOAL, BUT SAVED AGAIN.
Gyan going for placement this time from outside the box, but it's a comfortable save. Striker has been very impressive so far in this match.
68'—Mazzou with the strong run down the right, but is stopped.
Ghana player goes down injured after the tackle.
Is fine, though.
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'65—Niger with the free kick in a good position.
Nice chance here to get on the board from the Menas.
25 yards out, right in front. Can they find something in attack?
Shot travels harmlessly at goal. Goalkeeper with the easy save.
64'—NEARLY FOR GHANA AGAIN.
Ghana break fast and have the ball in the Niger box, but Gyan's attempted bicycle finish fails. Turns out the striker was offside anyway.
63'—SUBSTITUTION FROM GHANA.
OFF: Adomah
ON: Asante.
62'—GYAN WITH THE SHOT, BUT IT'S SAVED.
Nice movement from Atsu to create some space for Gyan, but his shot is weak and it's a comfortable save for the Niger goalkeeper.
And nearly again from Gyan on the next cross! Angled cross in, but couldn't quite get the volley on target. Should have done better there.
61'—SUBSTITUTION FOR NIGER AGAIN.
OFF: Koudize
ON: Boubacar
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59'—SUBSTITUTION FROM NIGER.
OFF: Mohamed
ON: Amadou.
Defender for defender.
TWEET, TWEET.
Talatou (#10), who is only starting his first Niger game this afcon, covered more distance than any of his mates (7.6kph).
56'—Nice attacking up the left from Gyan and then Atsu, but it's out for a goal kick.
55'—Long range cross and header from Mazzou.
Mazzou's header is wide after a long cross in. Would have been an incredible goal if pulled off and whilst it wasn't impossible, it did scream of attacking desperation.
53'—Nearly number four for Ghana!
Niger fail to clear and Gyan almost finds himself with another free shot on goal. Out for a corner, however, which is subsequently cleared by Niger.
Simple errors and fouls killing the Menas here.
51'—Another great free kick from Ghana.
Ghana nearly find Asamoah Gyan unmarked on a free kick again but the goalkeeper somehow manages to stop the striker from getting a free header.
Atrocious play from Niger to start this half, and this one is all but over.
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