Ghana defeat Namibia

Junior Agogo bundled in a Quincy Owusu-Abeyie cross to help Ghana to a 1-0 victory over Namibia, but many were disappointed with the way the hosts played throughout the game.

Sore from their 5-1 loss to Morocco, Namibia replaced goalkeeper Abisai Shiningayamwe with Athiel Mbaha.

The Brave Warriors were far more organised defensively this time, and they managed to soak up plenty of Ghana pressure early on.

On 19 minutes Namibia broke away and had an opportunity to take a surprise lead, but Brian Brendell shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Ghana wasted their chances too, chief among their errors was Asamoah Gyan's inability to shoot into an open goal on 34 minutes, with the goalkeeper committed.

Agogo's goal came from Michael Essien's vision.

The midfielder laid on a pass inside the penalty area to Owusu-Abeyie, who found Agogo inside the six-yard box.

The finish was not elegant, but it was enough to delight fans in the packed stadium in Accra.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were tame, though Ghana remained in control.

But two more chances fell to Brendell mid-way through the second half, shooting wide after Namibia break, then firing over the bar a minute later.

Collin Benjamin shot wide in the 75th minute from a Namibia corner kick, and he also missed a chance five minutes from time.

Ghana continued in search of a second goal, but faltered in the final third of the pitch.