African Cup of Nations favourites Ivory Coast moved into the quarter-finals of the competition by beating Ghana 3-1.
Ten-man Ivory Coast beat Ghana 3-1 to progress into quarter-finals
African Cup of Nations favourites Ivory Coast moved into the quarter-finals of the competition by beating Ghana 3-1.
Gervinho finished off a fluid counter-attacking move to put the Elephants ahead in the 23rd minute at the Chiazi National Stadium in Cabinda.
But their task was made harder when Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue received his marching orders for a two-footed challenge.
Matthew Amoah struck a post as Ghana came close to an equaliser before Siaka Tiene netted a stunning left-footed free-kick on 67 minutes and Didier Drogba headed a last gasp third for the Ivorians.
Asamoah Gyan netted a consolation from the penalty spot in injury time, but
Ghana must now beat Burkina Faso next Tuesday to join the Elephants in the last eight.
First game
The Black Stars were playing in their first game of the contest after their scheduled opening fixture did not take place following Togo's withdrawal from the competition in the wake of last week's terrorist attack on the team bus.
They looked lethargic throughout and were cut apart as Ivory Coast turned defence into attack to take the lead.
The Elephants successfully defended a corner and burst forward at pace. Yaya Toure threaded the ball through to Salomon Kalou on the right and the Chelsea forward centred for Gervinho to tap in.
But a fantastic effort from Kwadwo Asamoah almost brought Ghana level. He received the ball with his back to goal 20 yards out, turned and unleashed a fierce left-footed shot which appeared destined for the top corner until Barry Boubacar Copa palmed the ball clear.
Essien introduced
Michael Essien, who began the match on the bench after recent hamstring struggle, was introduced at half-time and Ghana's chances increased when Eboue was dismissed for a senseless two-footed lunge on Agyemang Opoku, who was deep in his own half.
The Black Stars immediately went on the attack and Amoah pounced on a loose ball just inside the penalty area, striking a left-foot volley which hit the base of the post.
But Ivory Coast soon doubled their lead when Tiene hit a free-kick from wide on the right which curled into the top corner.
Drogba then headed in a third at the back post after persistent play and a pin-point cross from substitute Abdulkader Keita, before a soft penalty was awarded in stoppage time and Gyan sent Boubacar Copa the wrong way.
