Ghana became the first nation in Group A at the 2008 African Cup of Nations to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament after beating Morocco 2-0 in on Monday.

The Black Stars maintained their hundred percent record in the group series,having won three out of three matches to top Group A.

With all teams in the group kicking off simultaneously, the game at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra started off with the hosts, Ghana showing their intent on not settling for a draw which could have also secured them a last eight place.

Claude Le Roy playing without Laryea Kingston, who is serving a games suspension, drafted in Anthony Annan as he rotated his midfield, opting to play Sulley Muntari and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie on the left and right sides of midfield.

Ghana, probably enjoyed their best game ever in the on-going tournament, piling on the pressure from the start as they finally hit the back of the net in the 26th minute.

A freekick awarded Ghana behind the deck was curled in by Sulley Muntari into the path of Michael Essien and the midfielder connected the pass with his right boot past Moroccan goalkeeper, Lamyaghri Nadir.

Four minutes later, Asamoah Gyan cut in from the left side after receiving a pass from Essien, left his marker dead at the edge of the box and let go a grounder which missed narrowly.

Ghana never took their foot of the paddle as nineteen minutes after the opener, it was Michael Essien's turn to set up Sulley Muntari for the second goal.

Essien sets up Sulley

Ghana broke away on the counter and after exchanging passes with Agogo in midfielder, Essien raced into the Moroccan half, avoided the tackles and slipped the ball to Muntari on the left and he struck a grounder to double the lead as the Black Stars ended the half 2-0 up.

The second half started just like the first with Ghana, enjoying the support of the home fans still pushing for more goals.

Essien saw his strike from outside the box in the 61st minute sail over the bar.

Gyan was so unlucky to have scored as his diving header to Agogo’s cross was blocked from goal by the Moroccan goalkeeper. A couple of minutes later, Sulley Muntari’s goal bound shot was also blocked.

Asamoah Gyan in the 82nd minute saw his overhead kick canon off the crossbar to the relief of the already condemned Morocco team.

Claude Le Roy soon afterwards made his change of the evening as he took off Junior Agogo for Andre Ayew.

Ghana completed their changes with about five minute to go as Baffour Gyan and Cup of Nations debutant, Haminu Draman came off the bench for Asamoah Gyan and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie.

The Black Stars will now await the outcome of the final Group B matches on Tuesday to determine which team they play in the last eight.


Starting line-up:

Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu Sarpei, Eric Addo, John Mensah, Michael Essien, Anthony Annan, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie/Haminu Draman, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan/Baffour Gyan and Junior Agogo/Andre Ayew.

Subs Used: Andre Ayew, Baffour Gyan and Haminu Draman

Subs: Sammy Adjei, Nana Kwasi Asare, Harrison Afful, Alhassan Illiasu, Anthony Annan, Bernard Kumordzi, Kwadwo Asamoah and Fatau Duada.

Suspended: Laryea Kingston