Sulley Muntari delivered a wonder goal in the final minute of the game to give hosts Ghana a winning start to the MTN Africa Cup of Nations finals with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Guinea. in Accra on Sunday.


Ghana hit the woodwork three times, took the lead 10 minutes into the second half but in then end had to rely on a 25 metre bullet from the Portsmouth winger to grab all three points in the tournament’s opening match.

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The home side, whose best efforts came in the first half, held their lead for just 10 minutes before Guinea scored an equaliser and then threatened to spoil the home party in the final stages.


But Muntari delivered a goal from almost nowhere just when the 45,000-sellout crowd eemed to be settling for a disappointing draw Ghana began brightly in a busy opening 10 minute spell and 10 minutes later saw.


Nottingham Foirst striker Junior Agogo hit the post with a forceful header.


Eight minutes late it was the turn of debutant Quincy Owusu Abeyie from a tight angle and in the 40th minute a snap effort from Muntari also cannoned back off the post.


But their opening goal came from the penalty spot when Oumar Kalabane brought down Agogo and Seychelles referee Eddy Maillet pointed to the spot. Asamoah Gyan belted the spot kick into the top of the net in the 55th minute.


Kalabane then made up for his error by grabbing the equaliser 10 minutes later from a corner, his header hitting the underside of the bar before bouncing in off Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson’s shoulder.


Guinea could have snatched a win had Eric Addo not blocked Ismael Bangoura’s late shot while Ghana substitute Dede Ayew’s first touch of the ball was superbly saved by Kemoko Camara.


Morocco meet Namibia in the other Group A match in Accra on Monday while two Group B matches are held in Sekondi, including the much anticipated meeting between Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria. It will be followed by Benin against Mali.