A depleted Ghana side beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to advance to the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

It was an unconvincing performance from the Black Stars, but in the end it was Andre Ayew's solitary effort that proved enough to secure second spot in Group B.

Marseille midfielder Ayew profited from some woeful marking to head Ghana into the lead after 30 minutes, a cleared free-kick was sent back into the box finding Ayew unmarked, and the midfielder diverted his header into the right-hand corner of the net.

Although Burkina Faso only needed a draw to progress, their hopes were dented shortly after the hour mark when Mamadou Tall was sent off. And with the Burkinabe unable to capitalise on a stuttering display by Ghana, the Black Stars reached the quarter finals with the victory they needed.