PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa -- Ghana's Mubarak Wakaso scored, was suspended and then carried off on a stretcher as the revived title contender went to the top of Group B at the African Cup of Nations on Thursday.
Wakaso converted a 38th-minute spot kick to help Ghana beat Mali 1-0 control after the group's two big teams were left off the hook by a 0-0 draw between Congo and Niger at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Young winger Wakaso was shown his second yellow of the group stage after lifting his shirt to reveal a religious slogan in his goal celebration, ruling him out of the final group game.
But Congo missed the chance to put pressure on the top teams after a draw with stubborn Niger, which was saved by defiant goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda.
