Ghana’s captain, Asamoah Gyan, proved just how important he is to the team as his injury-time strike against Algeria put the Black Stars back in the reckoning at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
Having missed the opening game due to an illness, Gyan's return to action yesterday was considered crucial and it proved decisive as his final connection to an intelligent feed from substitute Mubarak Wakaso salvaged Ghana's campaign with their first three points.
The winning goal from a low grounder was received with deafening cheers from the fans and earned him the man-of-the-match award.
The Stars, who had been knocking on the doors of the Algerians all afternoon and creating a number of near chances, looked determined to redeem their campaign.
However, it took a little bit of wizardry from substitute Wakaso to feed the experienced striker. And Gyan, in typical style, moved deep into the box with momentum to unleash the strike that completely beat goalkeeper Rais Adi Mbolhi to send the stadium into a frenzy.
Having beaten South Africa 3-1 in their first group game, the Algerians were hoping for a draw, before they got nailed on the 92nd minute.
Compared to their opening game, the Stars were unrelenting in the entire game, with Harrison Afful looking better with his crosses while Afriyie Acquah held his own in midfield until his substitution.
Acquah's substitution with Wakaso was not well received, but Wakaso brought some urgency into the game, feeding the forwards with the long shots. But the partnership between Captain Gyan and Jordan Ayew appeared not effective.
Coach Avram Grant took off Jordan for Mahatma Otoo and later Dede Ayew for Solomon Asante.
The changes sustained the pressure on Algeria, leading to the late strike by Gyan after latching onto the long drive from Wakaso. for a deserved victory.
It was the second time the Stars had beaten the Desert Foxes at the AFCON, but the first time they won without conceding a goal.
With the three points delivered and safely tucked under their sleeves, the Stars can now plot their survival with their last game against South Africa on Tuesday.
Black Stars XI:
Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, Daniel Amartey, Afriyie Acquah/Wakasu Mubarak, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Christian Atsu, Andre Ayew/Solomon Asante, Jordan Ayew/Mahatma Otoo, Asamoah Gyan
