Ghana secures African Cup of Nations qualification

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -Debutant Afriyie Acquah's early goal for Ghana ensured the Black Stars became the first team to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations as they beat Malawi 1-0 in Lilongwe on Saturday.

Ghana went into the match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, and Acquah's strike after just two minutes ensured the four-time champions will be present in South Africa early next year.

Mali delivered a firm statement of their abilities as they thrashed Botswana 4-1 in Gaborone, meaning the Eagles qualify on an aggregate score of 7-1, but defending champion Zambia required a penalty shootout to progress at the expense of Uganda by a score of 9-8.

Zambia held a 1-0 advantage going into the second-leg clash in Kampala, but Geoffrey Massa's first-half strike drew the hosts level in the tie, which went to a penalty shootout after 90 minutes.

Chipolopolo won the 2012 African championships in a dramatic shootout against Ivory Coast, and they held their nerve again to beat Uganda and book their place in next year's finals, to be held in South Africa.

Mali led 1-0 at the break, but underlined their dominance with three second-half strikes before Botswana claimed a late consolation goal.