Ghana defeat Morocco

Goals from Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien were enough to see hosts Ghana into the next round of the African Cup of Nations tournament as they defeated Morocco 2-0.

On 15 minutes Muntari fired in a free-kick from 30 yards that was heading for the top-right corner but was parried away by goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri.

But Ghana were playing like a team nervous and under pressure, with signs of edginess.

That changed in the 26th minute when the Black Stars went ahead with a gem of a goal.

Muntari, well-known for his ability to score from long-range, took a free-kick from 30 yards out.

Morocco were expecting a shot at goal, but Muntari put the ball over the wall, with Essien beginning a run down the right into the box.

The Chelsea midfielder put it into the back of the net with a first-time shot.

With much criticism from supporters after two unconvincing wins, it was a goal that Ghana desperately needed, and the atmosphere in the stadium was lifted.

Morocco had the ball in the back of the net three minutes later when Ghana defender John Paintsil headed Hicham Aboucherouane's free-kick into his own net, but the goal was not given.

Ghana's second came on 45 minutes, when Essien ran with the ball from the half-way line and laid it on his left to Muntari, who who finished with his left foot. But Morocco goalkeeper Lamyaghri, having his first game of the tournament could have done better.