Ghana dominated the majority of the game, but were left frustrated for long periods by a determined Niger defence, and particularly by Niger goalkeeper Khaled Lawali, who made a string of impressive saves. Ghana found the first goal on the stroke of half time as Eric Ayiah won a penalty after being fouled by Farouk Idrissa inside the box. Ayiah converted from the spot to make it 1-0.

He could have made it 2-0 in the 86th minute when Emmanuel Toku won Ghana's second penalty. However, Lawali guessed right and made a smart save to his left.

Second-half substitute Richard Danso put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.

Ghana will face African champions Mali on October 21 in the quarterfinals.