Ghana held on to beat Mali 1-0 at the2017 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, advancing to the quarter-finals of the competition from Group D.Asamoah Gyan's header after 21 minutes gave the winners the only goal of the game, but Mali produced a fine second-half display and deserved a result.Egypt defeated Uganda 1-0 in the evening kick-off, as an 88th-minute strike byShawky El Said thrust his side to the brink of qualification with one game remaining.Here are Saturday's confirmed results and latest standings from Group D:Saturday RecapGhana withstood substantial pressure as they booked their slot in the last eight of the tournament, and a goal from Gyan was enough to earn three points.The skipper became his country's all-time top scorer in the AFCON with eight goals, beating Osei Kofi's record.Andre Ayew almost opened the scoring in the first minutes of the match, but he fired wide.However,Gyan found the net after 21 minutes with a decisive header, giving the group leaders a slim advantage before half-time.Mali were a differentprospect in the second half, asMoussa Marega missed two golden opportunities to guide his side back into the match.Kalifa Coulibaly almost earned a point late in the day, but goalkeeperRazak Brimah was the hero when he saved the player's volley.Mali were the better side in the second half, but they will rue the chances they were unable to convert against a lacklustre opponent.Ghana had controlled the first half, being relaxed in possession and dominant on the ball, but they went to sleep after half-time.Coach Avram Grant watched on and cut a disappointedfigure as his side lost ambition late in the game.Mali have yet to score in the group phase, and if they had a striker who could find the net, they could easily have won this encounter.Egypt had to push until the closing minutes to obtain victory against Uganda, forcing a war ofattrition.El Said was the match-winner on a dreadful playing surface, as the Ugandan defence sank deeper and deeper in the second half.Egypt made their opponent's vulnerabilities pay late in the game, and stole victory when it appeared the game would end as a draw.Uganda are the first team to be eliminated from this year's tournament.Read more World Football news on BleacherReport.com
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