A late stunner from Sulley Muntari gave hosts (and some might say favourites) Ghana a 2-1 win over Guinea in opening game of the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Accra.

The opener for the 26th edition of this tournament was watched by John Kuffour, the Ghanaian president, and a stone-faced Sepp Blatter, the "king" of FIFA (and football - he would like to think). The pitch was absolutely dire for this game - despite being nice and green, the grass was almost an inch too long, and the ball just would not run properly a lot of the time. Blatter keeps talking about all the things he's done to improve world football, well perhaps he should send down some pitch technicians to Accra.

Anyhow, back to the football.

Although it was a match that Ghana dominated, they had more half-chances than clear cut ones, and the finishing was quite dire at times, although they did hit the woodwork thrice.

Ghana had the first clear cut chance through Asamoah Gyan, who screwed a shot wide after being put through by Muntari. Gyan would be wasteful again when the Guinean 'keeper Kemoko kicked the ball straight at him, only to mishit his shot. Kemoko was shaky all game, and really the Guinea squad were well below Ghana's standard.

However their star player, winger Pascal Feindouno managed to create the first chance, finding defender Kalabane with a free-kick, but the big man put his header high and wide.

One of the curiosities with this Ghana squad is the presence of Junior Agogo, who is essentially a crap and English League One striker - basically built like a boxer, without much skill. Not quite sure why Ghana would need a player like him when they have a nation of such talented footballers, but in any case, he came closest to giving them the lead, heading a Quincy cross against the right post, and then watching the ball rebound across the line and roll out to safety at the opposite post. Frustrating stuff, and it continued, with Michael Essien hitting the upright with a header from Laryea Kingston's corner.

Gyan then finally scored with about 10 minutes left in the half, but the goal was ruled out (rightly) for a foul. Muntari then hit the post with a typical thumping left-footed drive from a narrow angle by the left touchline, and then Agogo fluffed an easy-chance in the six-yard area.

However, he made amends 10 minutes into the second half, winning a penalty when put through on goal. It looked like a bit of a dive to me to be honest, but the defender hadn't helped with his clumsiness. Gyan duly thumped the penalty home to send the Ghanaian fans into celebration.

Guinea however managed to snatch an equaliser 9 minutes later. Once again it was Feindouno with the free-kick, and once again it was Kalabane with the header, but this time the defender made no mistakes. 1-1.

The game sort of went into disarray because of that. Ghana had dominated, and thought they were well on the way to victory until Guinea equalised, and it completely disrupted their flow. Guinea in turn had looked to be out of the game, and they seemed quite anxious to try and not let things get out of hand. Passing moves broke down, errors seeped in, and both teams tried silly long range efforts.

However Gyan made a great chance in the 78th minute, taking on the fullback down the right-flank, and delivering a low cross across the box that was met by teenager and alleged Arsenal target, Andrew Ayew. With the goal at his mercy though, the son of (Abedi) Pele managed to somehow contort his body and send the ball exactly the wrong way, missing an easy-tap in and instead screwing an angled shot back across goal and straight at the 'keeper. It was a great chance to win the game, but it was a big moment for a probably nervous 18 year old, and the awful grass wouldn't have helped much with his being able to judge the cross.

In the end though Muntari seemed almost effortless in his deciding of the match. He was about 25 yards out, on the left-side of the penalty box, and he just unleashed a shot that flew high and true into the far opposite corner of the net. No chance for the 'keeper, or for the defence, and a good win for Ghana.

That's the first match done in what should be a very exciting tournament then.

You can keep following it on OleOle at our ACN2008 site, and also at our blogger Teo's blog - he is going to be reporting LIVE on location from Ghana.

First half highlights:

Second-half highlights: