Democratic Republic of Congo's Issama Mpeko tackles Niger's Moussa Maazou during their African Nations Cup Group B soccer match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth January 24, 2013 (Photo: Reuters)
Although Niger secured their first ever point in the finals after losing all three games in 2012 and their opening match here, the result at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium left Ghana top after two matches with four points, followed by Mali (3), DR Congo (2) and Niger (1).
Niger should have taken the lead after four minutes when Modibo Sidibe was put through with only goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba to beat but he missed his chance by firing his angled shot against the base of Kidiaba's far post.
Niger goalkeeper Daouda Kassaly kept his side in the match with two outstanding first half saves, the first after 13 minutes from Dieumerci Mbokani and the second three minutes before the break when he somehow blocked a close-range shot from the centre forward who looked certain to score.
Ghana face Niger in their final group game in Port Elizabeth on Monday while the Congolese face Mali in Durban. Both matches kickoff at 1700GMT.
Teams:
Niger: 16-Daouda Kassaly; 13-Mohamed Chicoto, 8-Kourouma Fatokouma, 18-Koffi Dan Kowa, 21-Mohamed Bachar; 19-Issiaka Koudize (17-William Ngounou 79), 23-Mohamed Soumaila, 3-Karim Lancina, 14-Issoufou Boubacar (10-Boubacar Talatou 46); 7-Modibo Sidibe (11-Issoufou Alhassane 90), 2-Moussa Maazou
DR Congo: 1-Robert Kidiaba; 2-Mpeko Issama, 5-Larrys Mabiala, 17-Cedric Mongongu, 3-Jean Kasusula; 18-Cedric Makiadi, 7-Youssouf Mulumbu, 4-Patou Kabangu (13-Alain Kaluyituka 56), 8-Tresor Mputu (10-Zola Matumona 72); 9-Dieumerci Mbokani, 15-Lomana Lua Lua (11-Deo Kanda 46)
Referee: Bouchaib Al Ahrach (Morocco)
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