Sulley Muntari's trademark bullet in the dying minutes helped hosts Ghana survive Guinea scare after emerging 2-1 winners in the African Cup of Nations opener on Sunday. Asamoah Gyan put Ghana ahead shortly after the interval to comfort the Black Cats who squandered many clear-cut chances in the first-half. Guinea defender Oumar Kalabane headed home four minutes past the hour mark to level the score. Portsmouth midfielder Muntari came to Ghana's rescue in stoppage time when he smashed an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. Complete Domination Ghana, as expected, dominated the entire first-half and were unlucky not to open the scoring on many occasions. They were denied three times by the post. On the other hand, Guinea couldn't take advantage of counter attacks despite the slack marking of Ghana defenders. The hosts had the first chance after six minutes when a deft through pass by Muntari released Gyan but the Udinese striker shot wide from close range. In the 20th minute, Quincy Abeyie provided a pinpoint cross to combative striker Junior Agogo, whose header struck the post. Abeyie and Laryea Kingston outplayed Guinea's poor defenders with their continued penetrations down the flanks. Gyan came close midway through the first-half when he was picked out by Muntari's header across the area but his over-head kick went just wide of the post. Michael Essien was also unfortunate not to score the tournament's first goal when he connected with Kingston corner to power a header goalwards.
Once again the post came to the visitors' rescue, denying the Chelsea midfielder's effort. Five minutes before the break, Muntari's side-footed shot cannoned off the post. Deserved Lead Kingston's curling effort five minutes after restart was brilliantly tipped by Guinea keeper Kemoko Camara but the breakthrough finally came four minutes later. Agogo's run was halted by Kalabane's tackle inside the area and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Gyan stepped up and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net to give Ghana a deserved lead. Kalabane atoned for his mistake in the 64th minute to stun the home crowd, thanks to a poor reaction from Ghana keeper Richard Kingson. The guardian was too slow to react as Kalabane's header from a corner struck the bar and crossed the goalline. Muntari Brilliance Youngster Andre Ayew, son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele, was introduced and took no time to make in impact. He fired a powerful shot in the 77th minute but Camara superbly blocked it. The home fans erupted into ecstasy when Muntari cracked a left-footed shot that went into the top corner of the net shortly before the final whistle.
