Host nation Ghana claim second win

ACCRA, Ghana -- Ghana need only a draw against Morocco on Monday to guarantee their quarterfinal berth at the African Nations Cup after Nottingham Forest striker Junior Agogo earned the hosts a 1-0 win over Namibia on Thursday.

Namibia's second straight loss means they will be heading home irrespective of what happens in their final Group A tie against Guinea.

This was the second game of the day in Accra, the first producing something of an upset when Guinea, reduced to 10 men for much of the second half, beat Morocco 3-2.

These two results left Ghana heading Group A on six points, with Morocco and Guinea both on three with all to play for on Monday.

Ghana, marshalled by Chelsea's Michael Essien in midfield, made clear their intent from the whistle, taking up permanent residence in the Brave Warrior's half -- yet the underdogs kept them at bay for the first 30 minutes.

Namibia were fortunate to be let off though, when Udinese striker Asamoah Gyan struck the ball over Athiel Mbaha's bar from six yards out.

However, Ghana scored the goal their hard work deserved when Agogo slotted home from point blank range from Quincy Owusu Abeyie's cross from the right four minutes before the break.

Shortly after the resumption, Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari, responsible for the match winner over Guinea, had the Ohene Djan Stadium roaring when he unleashed one of his trademark long shots at Attiel, the ball on this occasion sailing over the crossbar.

The second half mirrored the preceding one, with Ghana harrying the Namibian defense which again performed manfully to deny the forecast deluge of goals.

Namibia weren't without their chances, with Hamburg midfielder Collin Benjamin just shooting wide of the far post in the 75th minute.

Meanwhile, Pascal Feindouno scored two goals and was then sent off as Guinea put themselves back in contention in the group with a 3-2 victory over Morocco.

The midfielder opened the scoring early on with a curling free-kick, before playing Ismael Bangoura in for the second shortly before the hour mark.

A bizarre few minutes saw Hicham Aboucherouane pull a goal back and Feindouno restore the two-goal cushion from the spot after which he was dismissed for kicking out at an opponent.

Abdeslam Ouaddou added a late second for Morocco but it was not enough. E-mail to a friend