Africa Cup of Nations: Results and fixtures

*ANGOLA 0 GHANA 1

Asamoah Gyan yesterday scored the only goal to help Ghana eliminate the hosts Angola and become the first team to reach the semi-finals. The Rennes striker ended a sweeping counter-attack in the 16th minute with a clinical finish in front of 50,000 in Luanda as the Black Stars moved closer to winning the trophy for the first time since 1982.

Milovan Rajevac's depleted team, missing the Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien among others, controlled the game after going ahead, with poor finishing from the home side aiding their cause. Ghana began with intent and the striker Andre Ayew was booked inside the opening 30 seconds for diving in on Mabina.

Gyan went close after 10 minutes, curling a 30-yard free-kick narrowly wide, while at the other end goalkeeper Richard Kingson had a couple of anxious moments following a lack of communication with defender Lee Addy. Ghana survived and took the lead after a fine defence-splitting pass by Kwadwo Asamoah from inside his own half picked out Gyan, who struck a cross-goal shot beyond Carlos Fernandes.

Gilberto went close to an equaliser with a free-kick before the break and Ayew almost doubled Ghana's lead. Gyan was forced off with a hamstring after an hour as Manucho, wasteful throughout, headed over from three yards. Angola continued to waste chances to the end as Ghana advanced. Ivory Coast and Algeria met in last night's late quarter-final.