South Africa 1 Ghana 0

South Africa held their nerve after Eric Tinkler's red card in the 48th minute to dump co-hosts Ghana out of the African Nations Cup.

Tinkler - rebuilding his international career after being dropped before the last World Cup - earned a second booking for a heavy challenge in midfield.

By that point in the game South Africa had something to defend after striker and Kaiser Chiefs star Siyabonga Nomvete had converted a 42nd minute chance. Shaun Bartlett evaded a challenge to create space and drove in a cross straight onto Nomvete's head and he powered the ball into the net.

Ghana's best chance came only seconds after Tinkler's red card when Samuel Kuffour strained to slap a header against the cross car with Andre Arendse beaten. The co-hosts were poor though and created no other decent opportunities against ten men as they failed to hold the ball or pass it well enough to put the forwards clear.

South Africa must now travel to Lagos and could well face remaining hosts and competition favourites Nigeria if they can overcome outsiders Senegal tonight.