2014 World Cup: Ghana Win In Lesotho To Close In On Final Place

Ghana moved closer to the final stage of the African qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after defeating Lesotho 2-0 on Sunday. John Boye and Asamoah Gyan scored in either half of the match at the Setsoto National Stadium. The victory in Maseru takes the Black Stars to the summit of the Group D standing on 12 points, thus one point ahead of Zambia with a final fixture to come against the Chipolopolo's later in September at home. It was Ghana's second away victory in ten days - after defeating Sudan 3-1 last Friday- to keep alive hopes of reaching the third-round stage of qualifying and a third consecutive World Cup appearance. A first-half goal from Boye gave the Black Stars a 1-0 lead going into the break as the centre-back rose above the Lesotho defence to nod in a a Sulley Muntari freekick on the stroke of halftime. After recess, the hosts, who are winless so far after five matches in the campaign threatened and they kept on pushing for the equaliser but Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda supported by his back-line which included Jonathan Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Afful and first half scorer, Boye held on tight. On the hour mark, coach Kwesi Appiah made two quick changes, sending on Dominic Adiyiah and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu for Muntari and Richmond Boakye Yiadom. Fifteen minutes later, Black Stars captain, Gyan scored - his third consecutive goal for Ghana in two matches - to seal victory and a place at the top for Ghana, whose hopes were boosted Saturday after Zambia was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Sudan. The outcome of that game handed the Black Stars the opportunity to leapfrog the Zambians at the top of Group D following victory over Lesotho. With a minute to go, Ghana threw in their last card as Rashid Sumalia was brought on for Rabiu Mohammed. Ghana line-up: Fatau Dauda, Samuel Inkoom, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed/Rashid Sumalia, Sulley Muntari/Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Richmond Boakye Yiadom/Dominic Adiyiah, Asamoah Gyan, Christian Atsu.