Ghana this evening put themselves in pole position to cruise into the quarter-finals of the 29^th Africa Cup of Nations after beating Mali to go top of Group B.

The Ghanaians are top with four points from two matches, Mali are second having recorded three points and DR Congo are third with two points. Ghana’s last group opponent Niger look unlikely of causing an upset but even if they do, the Ghanaians would still sail through except DR Congo beat Mali in their last match on Sunday. For Mali, a draw would be sufficient to progress but don’t bet on their surviving the fireworks of the Congolese.

After a disappointing 2-2 draw with DR Congo in the Group B opener, the Ghanaians had cause to celebrate today – thanks to a well converted spot kick by Mubarak Wakaso in the 38th minute at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

In the second match of the day, Niger made AFCON history when they won their first point at the AFCON by holding DR Congo to a goalless draw in a match which could have gone either way. Last year when they made their debut in Gabon, the Nigeriens lost all three group matches and equally lost their opening match in Port Elizabeth on Sunday to Mali.

More fireworks are guaranteed tomorrow, with Group C action between Nigeria and defending champions Zambia topping the bill.

•Photo, courtesy MTN Football, shows action from the Ghana-Mali match won 1-0 by the former.