GHANA NEEDED just one goal to get past Ecuador and into the quarterfinals of the World Youth Championships in Mar del Plata on Thursday.

Defender John Mensah headed home the only goal of the game in the 12th minute after Ecuadorian goalkeeper Daniel Viteri made a mistake coming off his line.

Down a goal inside of a quarter of an hour, the Ecuadorians cranked up the defensive pressure and created a litany of fouls as the game lacked any flow.

The Black Stars dominated the run of play in the first half with the majority of the possession and scoring chances.

Danish-based forward Razak Pimpong had a number of chances to double the lead. In the 23rd minute, he flashed a header from the penalty spot that grazed the top of the crossbar.

Nine minutes later, he weaved his way through the defense, but his shot touched the post and was cleared away.

In the 64th minute, Ghana had another chance after some intricate passing freed Bastia defender Michael Essien, but Viteri was up to the task on his shot.

Ten minutes later, it was Pimpong again driving a shot near the post forcing another save from Viteri.

Ecuador never got their offense on track, and were eliminated from the tournament.

Ghana has made another great run in this tournament but are now faced with the spectre of playing Brazil in the quaterfinals in Cordoba on Sunday.

Cautions: Ecuador: Castillo 14 , Intriago 58; Ghana: Issah 43 , Pantsil 52 , Villars 70 , Essien 88

Line-ups Ghana: Maxwell Banhene, Sulley Muntari, Michael Essien, Patrick Villars, Emmanuel Pappoe, Abdul Razak Ibrahim (Frank Osei, 75), Razak Pimpong (Samuel Thompson, 85), Derek Boateng, Yussif Issah (James Owusu-Ansah, 67), John Mensah, John Pantsil