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The Black Stars of Ghana have beaten The Warriors of Zimbabwe by a goal to nil in Harare, Tuesday afteroon.

Thomas Partey's free-kick in the 31st minute gave Ghana all the 3 points.

The win has sent Ghana two points clear atop the table but the status could change when second-placed South Africa host Ethiopia in the other game of the matchday later on Tuesday.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac made two major changes to his starting XI, leaving captain Andre Ayew on the bench in favour of Real Mallorca man Idddrisu Baba in midfield.

Also, Sporting Club-linked Abdul Fatawu Issahaku lost his starting spot on the wide right, with Jordan Ayew re-deployed to the role, opening up space for Turkey-based Benjamin Tetteh to come into the starting team as the lead striker.

After the break, Ghana almost made it 2-0 again when Kudus curled a shot against the crossbar after being set up by Partey, Tetteh having benefitted from poor Zimbabwe defending to begin the attack.

The hosts also had their own opportunities: Jordan Zemura, after beating his man to find space in the box, shot wide, a situation similar to an attempt by Musona moments later.

A constant thorn in the flex of Zimbabwe, Kudus fired another shot in the 67th minute but his effort was collected by the goalkeeper.

Substitute Daniel-Kofi Kyereh also pounced on a loose ball inside the box for a possible instant impact but he smashed wide, moments before Kudus drilled another low effort just off target.

There was hardly any clear scoring chance subsequently and after three minutes of injury time, the referee brought the game to an end.