African Nations Cup - Nigeria 1 Ghana 0

Favourites Nigeria reached the semi finals of the African Nations Cup in Bamako after a late goal from midfielder Garba Lawal won the game against Ghana.

Lawal connected well and hit a rising shot in the 80th minute and Nigeria will now meet either Egypt or Senegal later this week to decide one of the finalists for Sunday.

Julius Aghahowa set up the winning move when he crossed from the right for Lawal to run onto the ball and send it past goalkeeper Sammy Adjej.

Nigeria's players wore black armbands for the quarter final which began with a minute's silence for the victims of the Lagos army camp explosions last week And the game itself saw little action.

Nwankwo Kanu almost gave Nigeria the lead three minutes before Lawal struck but after another cross from Aghahowa Kanu skied a chance from in front of goal.

Adjej defied Lawal from close range in the 71st minute as Nigeria started to dominate.

They have an injury worry over goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu who was knocked unconscious in a collision with defender Isaac Okoronkwo on 34 minutes.

Murphy Akanji took the place of the concussed Shorunmu who may not be fit to play in the semi final.