Ghana outclassed Niger 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup as Group B winners yesterday to set up a last eight clash with Cape Verde Islands.

Ghana, chasing their fifth continental crown but their first for 31 years, took the lead through Asamoah Gyan after six minutes and although Niger had a goal disallowed for an infringement four minutes later, they rarely threatened again.

The Black Stars doubled their lead through Christian Atsu after 23 minutes and put the game beyond Niger’s grasp when John Boye pounced on a mistake by goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda to make it 3-0 from a metre out four minutes into the second half.

Only some wayward shooting prevented Ghana winning by a far greater scoreline but they did enough to top the group with seven points, while Mali secured second spot on four points after their 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mali recovered from conceding a penalty after 35 seconds to dominate the game and restrict the chances of a Congolese side, who had to win to usurp their opponents for a place in the last eight.

Momo Sissoko brought down Yves Diba, allowing Dieumerci Mbokani to score his second from the spot at the tournament.

Sissoko almost redeemed himself in the fifth minute with a volleyed shot that was saved by Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba.

A strong run from Adama Tamboura set up the 14th minute leveller as he pulled the ball back for Mahamadou Samassa to tap home.

From then on, Mali were satisfied to hold onto the point needed to qualify.