Ghana make winning start at Afcon against Uganda

Andre Ayew scored the only goal of the game to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Uganda in their opening Group D match at the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The West Ham winger slotted in a penalty on 32 minutes after captain Asamoah Gyan had been pulled back.

Ghana also threatened through two Gyan headers, while Ayew and Christian Atsu tested Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Uganda came closest when Faruku Miya hit the outside of a post but could not to force their way back into the game.

It was a disappointing return for Uganda, who are playing at their first Nations Cup since 1978 when they lost in the final to then hosts Ghana.

The Cranes created few opportunities of note and struggled to get behind the Black Stars, who appeared happy to defend their lead and take the sting from the match.

Ghana were far more positive in the first half, with Andrew Ayew and his brother Jordan, along with Atsu, posing a huge problem for the Uganda defence.

Andre Ayew should have scored from a great cut-back by Jordan, while Atsu relentlessly tormented Isinde, whose day worsened when he conceded a penalty by tugging back Gyan after miscontrolling the ball.

By converting the spot-kick, which he sent straight down the middle, Andew Ayew scored his seventh Nations Cup finals goal and surpassed the total scored by his father and legendary former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele.

Ghana had a good chance to add a second late on when Atsu was clean through but his 12-yard drive was superbly saved by Onyango.

The only downside for Avram Grant’s side was an injury to defender Baba Rahman, who was stretchered off with what looked like a hamstring injury after 39 minutes.

Ghana, who won the last of their four titles in 1982 and lost on penalties to the Ivory Coast in the final two years ago, will next take on Mali on Saturday.

Uganda will face record seven-time champions Egypt on the same day.

-Report by bbc.com