Hosts Ghana advanced to the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 100% record after claiming an easy 2-0 victory over Morocco, who were knocked out of the tournament. Two first-half strikes from Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari were enough to help the Black Cats secure their third successive win in Group A. Ghana finished on top of the group with nine points, five ahead of second-placed Guinea, who also booked a last-eight berth after a 1-1 draw with Namibia. Morocco were eliminated from the first round for the second consecutive CAN. The Atlas Lions had an early chance after four minutes when Ghana keeper Richard Kingson blocked Michael Chretien's shot from under his bar. Ghana dominated afterwards, and managed to break through Morocco's poor defense on several occasions. Morocco keeper Nadir Lamyaghri found no difficulty in palming away Muntari's free-kick in the 14th minute but couldn't stop Essien's effort 12 minutes later. Muntari skillfully chipped a free-kick into the path of the unmarked Essien, who turned and hit a first-timer into the bottom corner of the net.
The Atlas Lions produced a very poor display, but were harshly denied the equalizer in the 29th minute. John Paintsil diverted a Moroccan right-wing free-kick into his own net but the linesman raised his flag for offside. Television replays proved that his decision was incorrect. Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, who was subjected to a fierce criticism from his own fans, came close to extending the lead one minute later. He cut inside his marker on the edge of the area and fired a low drive that went just wide of the post. Muntari doubled the advantage just before the break when he latched on to Essien's superb flick before slotting home at the near post. Morocco failed to impose any threat in the second period and even had to thank Lamyaghri for denying Ghana a third goal. Gyan dived at the near post to head Junior Agogo's cross goalwards but the 31-year-old guardian produced a stunning reflex to deny the Udinese striker.
