Ghana wins 2-1 over Guinea to kick off the start of the 2008 African Cup of Nations at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.
A late strike by Sulley Muntari won the game for Ghan after a 1-0 lead by the host in the second half had been canceled out by the Syli Nationale.
A colourful but traditional opening ceremony attended Ghana President, J.A Kufour, Sepp Blatter, Issa Hayatou and Michel Platini preceded the first game of the competition.
And when the game kicked off, it took a while for both sides to push for the opener.
A slow paced game capped the first half dominated by Ghana who had Michael Essien and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie stealing the show.
Ghana had a great header from Junior Agogo go off the side post in the 19th minute and three minutes later, Gyan saw his overhead kick miss narrowly.
By the 27th minute, Ghana had again, another effort this time from a Michael Essien header deflect off the crossbar as the Black Stars kept on pushing.
Before the first half came to an end, Sulley Muntari had hit the side post striking a shot with his right foot as Asamoah Gyan had a goal disallowed by the referee for pushing an opponent.
Back from recess, the Black Stars, enjoying massive support from the noisy home fans pushed for the first goal as Michael Essien's effort was palmed out by Kemoko Camara.
However, six minutes into the half and Ghana, finally opened their scoring account after Junior Agogo, who had been sent through by Asamoah Gyan’s header was upended by a Guinea defender.
Asamoah Gyan stepped up and hit his shot into the top left beating Kemoko Camara for the opening goal.
Eric Addo was shown the yellow card coming after Guinea’s Pascal Feindounou, who was the first player to pick up a yellow card.
Also getting into the referee's books were Laryea Kingston and Sulley Muntari.
Guinea coach, Robert Nouzaret did a double substitution and the pattern changed as the Syli Nationale equalised 18 minutes into the half from a corner kick which was nodded in by Kalabane Oumar.
Ghana, somehow struggled to maintain the pace as Sulley Muntari also picked up a booking.
However, Le Roy made two changes, bringing on Andre Ayew for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie before taking off Asamoah Gyan for Baffour Gyan.
Andre Ayew came close to doubling up for Ghana but his close range effort was tipped over the crossbar by Kemoko Camara.
The game seemed to be coasting for a draw as the Guineans appeared to be top slightly. But Ghana struck again.
Sulley Muntari picked up a pass from midfielder in the 89th minute and raced into the Guinean half. Muntari looked up the Guinea goalkeeper and delivered a shot that hit the back of the net for the match winner.
The win sends Ghana top of the standings in Group A. Guinea captain, Pascal Feindounou was voted the MTN Man-of–the-match.
Morocco meet Namibia in the other Group A match in Accra on Monday.
Ghana line up:
Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu Sarpei, Eric Addo, John Mensah, Michael Essien, Laryea Kingston, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie/Andre Ayew, Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan/Baffour Gyan and Junior Agogo.
Subs Used: Andre Ayew, Baffour Gyan
Subs Unused: Sammy Adjei, Haminu Draman, Nana Kwasi Asare, Harrison Afful, Alhassan Illiasu, Anthony Annan, Bernard Kumordzi, Kwadwo Asamoah and Fatau Duada.