Asamoah Gyan rescues three points for The Black Stars of Ghana

A stoppage time goal from captain Asamoah Gyan handed Avram Grant’s Ghana side a vital win, and leaves their qualification hopes for the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in their own hands. In a game lacking quality, Gyan’s last-gasp winner was the only notable shot on target, but it was enough to secure a crucial three points. The former Sunderland striker, who had been largely disappointing until he burst past the Algerian defence in the 92nd minute to finish past Rais Mbolhi, was back in the team after a bout of Malaria.

But despite his captain's lack of threat throughout the game, Grant left him on the field, and was rewarded seconds from time. Up until that point Gyan hadn’t looked at all fit, and for a player who possesses as much pace and skill as he does, it was notable that he didn’t get in behind the Algerian defence for the first time until after more than an hour had been played. On that occasion, he fired a tame effort, which wouldn’t have given MBolhi any trouble even if had been on target, well wide. Gyan’s return also meant that Jordan Ayew, dangerous in bursts on Tuesday, was wasted playing behind his captain – when the Lorraine forward moved alongside Gyan in the second half the Black Stars were significantly more positive. Having lost to a late goal against Senegal, the Black Stars knew they could not afford another defeat against the pre-tournament favourites, and a draw would have meant hoping for other results to go their way.