In the other game, Guinea needed no more than a 1-1 draw with minnows Namibia to accompany the Black Stars to the quarter-finals.

Man of the day: Michael Essien vindicated why he is one of Africa's top class players with a splendid performance in Ghana's win over Morocco.

The Chelsea midfielder surpassed his defensive duties when he scored a magnificent goal and set up the other to inspire the Black Stars to a convincing victory.

Essien has become a prominent figure in Chelsea's midfield since Jose Mourinho signed him from Lyon in 2005, as he won the Premiership in his first season with the Blues.

He was voted by the fans as Chelsea Player of the Season in 2006-2007, he was also named BBC African Player of the Year in 2006.

Goal of the day: Essien scored a clever opener against Morocco when he made a superb turn, hitting a first-timer into the bottom corner of the net, to finish off Sulley Muntari's skillfully chipped free kick.

Moment of the day: Morocco goalkeeper Nadir Lemyaghri might have conceded twice, but he somehow managed to make an unbelievable save to deny Asamoah Gyan a headed goal from point blank range, it was arguably the save of the tournament so far.

Disappointment of the day: Morocco showed no signs of repeating their great performance against Namibia in the first game, even though they were tipped by many as one of the contenders to win the title.

However, the Atlas Lions gave in a poor display for the second game running, disappointing their fans by a first round exit for the fourth time in five competitions.

What the Papers Said

Ghanaian newspapers seemed unimpressed when the Black Stars bagged recent victories against Guinea and Namibia, but this time there was delight after the Morocco win.

"It's a goal…and Ghana go wild!" was the headline of Accra Daily Mail, which also said that Ghana have the ability to 'Host and win' after a 'spirited and thrilling performance'.

Ghana News Agency said: "Black Stars Fly into quarter-finals," while Modern Ghana posted: "Ghana outclass Morocco to top Group A".

As for the Moroccans, there was a state of fury against manager Henri Michel and the European-based stars, who were guilty of disappointing Moroccan people.

Annoukhba paper blasted Michel and Co. saying: "Atlas Mice stumble thanks to Mr. Michel".

The paper added that the 'catastrophic result' is the responsibility of the Frenchman, who 'must part ways with Moroccans'. Players were also slammed and accused of 'going to Ghana on vacation'.

"Morocco bid farewell to African Cup of Nations" was the headline of Maghreb Arabe Presse, which described the Atlas Lions as 'great underachievers'.

Namibians were not that devastated by their imminent exit, as New Era stated: "Brave Warriors bow out, with some measure of satisfaction".