Ghana breathe easier

LUANDA: Ghana avoided the ignominy of becoming the first World Cup qualifiers not to make it past the Africa Cup of Nations first round thanks to a little help from a legend's son.

Missing Michael Essien and a score of first choice players the four-time champions still managed to book their place in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over 10-man Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

The only goal came from French-based Andre Ayew, son of one of Africa's most decorated players, Abedi 'Pele' Ayew, three-time Africa Footballer of the Year and a member of Marseille's 1993 Champions League winning side.