Ghana took a large stride towards the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after beating Mali 1-0 in a tight Group B encounter in Port Elizabeth.

Mubarak Wakaso scored from the penalty spot after 38 minutes after Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu was felled in the box.

Seydou Keita flashed a free-kick wide for Mali after Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda was lucky to stay on the pitch after handling outside his area.

Agyemang-Badu also hit the post in a game where Mali rarely threatened.