Goals and fans were thin on the ground at the Nations Cup as Ghana and Mali kicked off their campaigns with single-goal wins in a depressingly empty stadium in Franceville Tuesday. Captain John Mensah scored but was sent off for Ghana, beaten finalists two years ago, as the World Cup quarterfinalists labored to a 1-0 win over debutants Botswana deep in Gabon's forested interior. A long-range effort from Bakaye Traore gave Mali the points against neighbor Guinea in a duel of two French coaches. The rows of empty seats have been a recurring feature at the 16-team tournament being co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. So far, neither country seems to have got excited about the competition which is missing Nigeria, Cameroon and defending champion Egypt after they all failed to qualify. Gabon's 2-0 win over Niger Monday failed to inspire the street invasions by enthusiastic residents that have frequently characterized their home wins in other major footballing competitions. Four-time winner Ghana went ahead when Mensah bundled home the ball from close range following a corner after 25 minutes. Mensah then received the first red card of the tournament in the 66th minute when he knocked over Botswana striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana in a chase for the ball on the counter attack. In the second game of the double bill, Guinea, coached by Michael Dussuyer, created numerous chances against Alain Giresse's side but lost out to a strike from French-born midfielder Traore. The 29th-minute goal came after a strong run from Modibo Maiga who cut the ball back for Traore to blast home as Seydou Keita scampered out of the way.
