A second half penalty handed Ghana all the spoils as they beat Ethiopia 1-0 on Tuesday to reach the quarter finals of the African Nations Championship.

Defender Kwabena Adusei converted from the spot, a 77th minute penalty at the Free State Stadium to send Ghana through to the next round.

Ghana finished on top of Group C with 7 points and qualified with Libya, who drew 2-2 with Congo in the other contest.

Ethiopia, who exit at the first round had the better of the exchanges in the first half and tested Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams with Adane and Omda coming close to finding the back of the net.

Ghana stood resolute and made few goal attempts as Seidu Bansey, Paul Asare and Latif Mohammed struggled to go past the Ethiopian defence.

After a goalless opening half, the second half saw plenty action but lacked the much needed goals until Ghana broke the deadlock.

Bansey made a swift turn outside the box and his first touch took him past his man only to be brought down by another opposing player for a penalty.

Adusei settled matters from the spot as he scored the game's only goal.

Ghana will now face the runners-up in Group D for a place in the last four of the tournament.