ACCRA, Feb 1: West African pow-• i ers Ghana and ’ w ' Cameroon. edged through to the ——J quarterfinals of the African Nations' Cup on Monday despite shock defeats in their final Group A matches, reports AP.

Ghana were outplayed by Ivory Coast in a 2-0 defeat, while there was a major shock in Kumasi, where Cameroon slipped to a 1-0 loss against Group A outsider Togo.

All four teams end up on four points, with Cameroon and Ghana in first and second place on goal difference.

GHANA-IVORY COAST

In Accra. Ghana fell behind on the stroke of half-time when 21-year-old striker Bonaven- ture Kalou got behind the home defense and showed superb control before slotting the ball past Richard Kingston.

The goal put the skids under Ghana, whose defense showed nerves on almost every Ivorian attack.

Tchlressoua Guel saw a glanching header go lust wide early In the second naif, and substitute Ibrahima Bakayoko crashed a shot against the post.

The Ivorians wrapped up their first ever win In Ghana seven minutes from times.

Olivier Sie found himself in acres of space and easily sidefooted past Kingston.

Ivory Coast showed the determination that had been lacking in their disappointing draw against Togo and trouncing al the hands of Cameroon.

We aren't happy because our players are as good as any here ana we should not be out of the competition." Bakayoko said. 'The difference today was that we really showed the will to win."

Amidst the Jeers of their fans. Ghana — who won the last of their four African Nations Cup titles 18 years ago — struggled for inspiration and never troubled veteran Ivorian goalkeeper Alain Gouamene.

CAMEROON-TOGO

In Kumasi. Cameroon, impressive In their 3-0 win against Ivory Coast on Friday, had been expected to dominate tiny Togo, whose coach Gottlieb Go’eller quit last week.

But the Indomitable Lions fell to a 19th-minute goal by Massamesson Tchangal.

Rigobert Song misjudged a lofted cross, ana after Oyawole Djlma's shot was blocked. Tchangal slammed the ball into the roof of the net.

Like Ghana. Cameroon struggled for Inspiration, and could have gone further behind when Abdel Coubadja's clever lob drifted Just wide.

Patrick Mboma came closest to equalising with a powerful left-footed drive that whistled over the crossbar.

As Group A winner. Cameroon stays in Accra for a probable quarterfinal clash against Egypt or Congo.

Ghana travels to Kumasi for a likely match against South Africa, the probable Group B winners and one of the pre-tournament favorites.

In Tuesday's games. Group B winds up with defending ch im-plon Egypt against Burkina Faso and Senegal vs Zambia.

Egypt is already assured of a place in the last eight, with Senegal. Burkina Faso and Zambia all in contention for second place.

Senegal striker Kalilou Fadiga is confident that The Lions will advance.

"Zambia is a young team without much experience," he said. "It will be a hard game but we are looking forward to the next round.”

Meanwhile in Lagos. Nigeria's soccer federation said that It had paid each player a 3,000 dollars bonus for the 4-2 win against Tunisia, and half that sum for the goalless draw against the Republic of Congo.

Initially the federation had angered some players by saying that it would make the payment "at the appropriate time."