Ghana defeat Malawi in African Nations Cup

Accra (Ghana), Sep 9 - Ghana defeated Malawi 2-0 in the final first-leg qualifying match for the 2013 African Cup of Nations played at the Accra Sports Stadium. Ghana's Black Stars took the lead in the eighth minute through defender Christian Atsu who connected home a pass from Andre Ayew after Asamoah Gyan had rounded up the Malawian goalkeeper Saturday, reports Xinhua. The Malawians dominated possession in the first half but hardly disturbed goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey of the Black Stars. Midfielder Anthony Annan scored the West African country's second goal in the 52nd minute with an excellent drive from 20-yards to the admiration of the home fans. Malawian centre-
back got sent off for a second bookable offence in the 82nd minute. Atsu nearly made it three but his low drive in the 84th minute hit the upright much to the relief of Malawi. Thirty countries have been split into 15 home-and-away ties with the winners joining hosts, South Africa, who are automatic qualifiers for the Nations Cup. (IANS)