Ghana beats Sudan, qualifies for AFCON 2012
Ghana’s Black Stars secured their place at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in grand style courtesy a 2-0 victory over the Desert Hawks of Sudan on Saturday in Omdurman.
A goal each from striker Asamoah Gyan in the 11th minute and another by captain John Mensah through a header in the 20th minute all in the first half proved vital as the Black Stars qualified automatically as winners of Group I.
The Stars who needed at least just a draw to seal their place at the next Africa Cup of Nations, put up yet another shocking performance to silence the Desert Hawks in front of their teeming fans at the Al Hilal Stadium in Omdurman.
Gyan broke the deadlock on 11 minutes before Mensah connected from a corner-kick on 20 minutes.
The Black Stars played a greater part of the second half with a man down after their defensive pillar Isaac Vorsah was shown the red card after an off-the-ball incident on an opponent.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Stars held unto victory as the Sudanese failed to make the most of a flurry of chances that came their way.
Ghana finished on 16 points, three points richer than Sudan who at least are still in contention for one of the two best second placed teams.
In the other Group I match, Swaziland and Congo played out a barren draw.
Source: GNA