Andre Ayew scored a penalty as Ghana beat Uganda 1-0 on Tuesday in a lacklustre opening to the four-time champions’ bid for a first African Nations Cup title in 35 years.
Ayew, a West Ham winger, netted in the 32nd minute after Asamoah Gyan was held back by Isaac Isinde in the penalty area in Port-Gentil.
Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant is looking to lead Ghana to a second successive final but go better than 2015, when his team lost to Ivory Coast.
Uganda has also finished as runners-up in the continental championship, but the trip to the final in 1978 was the last time they qualified until making the Gabon event.
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