The first day of Ghana 2008 couldn't have been more electrifying for the home fans, yet heartbreaking for the visiting supporters of Guinea. Even though the Black Stars gave in an unconvincing performance throughout the game and seemed vulnerable in defense at times, but the three points were sealed in superb fashion at last. Sulley Ali Muntari sent more than 40,000 supporters at Accra Sports Stadium into raptures with his exquisite last-gasp winner, which could be the first step of a long path to the title. "Muntari saves LeRoy's blushes" was the headline of Ghanaian newspaper The Statesman, which explains that the French coach would have been facing vast criticism hadn't the former Udinese man produced his moment of magic. Man of the day: It has to be Muntari, who despite not having the best of games, dominated the headlines everywhere after his crucial winner. The Portsmouth playmaker has already built a rapport with fans at Fratton Park after some superb strikes this season, as he is not new to these types of long-range bullets with his vicious left foot.
Muntari is the man of the moment in Ghana Muntari hammered Petr Cech with an explosive strike during the Black Stars' infamous 2-0 victory over the Czechs in the 2006 World Cup. The 23-year-old plays in the Nations Cup for the first time though, and what a way to make his introduction to Africa's top competition. Goal of the day: It will require a very special effort to dethrone Muntari's stunner of the 'Goal of the tournament' tag, the Portsmouth man punished Guinea with an unstoppable left-footed belter from 30 yards out, which proved to be crucial as well. Ghana - Guinee 2-1 Muntari Uploaded by NimesFFV Play of the day: Junior Agogo's first-half header hit the left post of Kemoko Camara's goal, before drifting agonizingly wide across the Guinea goal, whose guardian was just a spectator. Disappointment of the day: The biggest setback was the poor pitch of the Accra stadium, which was described by Ghana coach Claude LeRoy as 'the worst he has ever seen'.
