Accra, Jan. 20, GNA - A late strike from Sulley Ali Muntari brought a massive sigh of relief to thousands of Ghanaian football fans when their national team, Black Stars met their Guinean counterparts in the opening match of the 26th MTN African Cup of Nations at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra on Sunday.

Before the goal, most of the spectators at the fully-packed stadium sat on tenterhooks after the Guineans had equalised through a corner kick.

For once the trumpet and whistling fans could not believe what was happening to their idol team since they were not expecting any result besides a win to cushion it to fight to qualify to the next stage. It was, therefore, joy and jubilation as the fans poured out their hearts singing praises to the gallant team, when the winning goal came in the dying embers of the game.

President J.A. Kufuor, FIFA President Sepp Blatter; UEFA President Platini; CAF President Alhaji Issa Hayatou and other high level officials watched the match.

Thousands of football fans poured onto the streets singing amidst brass band music across the length and breadth of the country. Some media personnel from other African countries told GNA Sports that it was the maturity of the Ghanaian players that made all the difference. They praised the Black Stars for their performance. They mentioned, particularly, Junior Agogo; Michael Essien and Muntari and the rear men, who did a yeoman's job to hold the Guineans at bay. AMG/BDB 20 Jan. 08