By AVI CREDITOR
For a team missing its biggest names, Ghana sure is having plenty of success.
The Black Stars defeated Nigeria in Thursday's first African Cup of Nations semifinal, 1-0, behind Asamoah Gyan's 21st minute goal to advance to the cup final.
Gyan lifted Ghana past Angola in the quarterfinals with the lone goal of that match, as well.
Ghana, playing without Michael Essien, John Pantsil, Stephen Appiah and Sulley Muntari, has fielded a team comprised mostly of players from its U-20 World Cup championship squad and is a win away from taking the continental trophy.
The Black Stars will face either Egypt or Algeria in the Jan. 31 final.
Also happening Thursday:
ROBINHO TO SANTOS OFFICIAL
Manchester City has loaned Robinho to Santos FC for six months, putting an end to a disappointing 2009-2010 campaign for the talented Brazilian forward in England.
Robinho, coming off a strong season last year, failed to deliver the same punch to the City attack while competing with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor for playing time. Now he is going home, but he won't come cheaply – Santos will be assuming all of the wages and bonuses stipulated in his contract.
Red Bulls fans circle your calendars – Santos comes to open Red Bull Arena on March 20.
RIO BANNED FOUR GAMES
England international and Manchester United centerback Rio Ferdinand was handed a four-match ban by the FA Thursday after elbowing Hull City's Craig Fagan in the back of the head Saturday. The suspension was initially a 3-gamer, but after Ferdinand denied any wrongdoing, the FA reportedly tacked on another game.
Ferdinand had just returned from a three-month injury absence.
VERMAELEN LEG NOT BROKEN
Arsenal received great news regarding star centerback Thomas Vermaelen, when X-rays revealed that his leg was not fractured or broken.
Vermaelen, who was injured and had to come off in the first half of Wednesday's scoreless draw with Aston Villa, will likely miss some time, but not nearly as much as was initially feared.
SPURS SWOOP FOR GUDJOHNSEN
Tottenham acquired former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan from Monaco for the remainder of the season.
Gudjohnsen, 31, was thought to be headed to West Ham, but Spurs swooped in and nabbed the Iceland international from their Premier League rival.
With Aaron Lennon injured, Roman Pavlyuchenko rumored to be headed elsewhere and Mexican Giovani dos Santos loaned to Galatasaray, Gudjohnsen should be able to contribute immediately for the fourth-place Spurs.
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