07 September,2009 08:09 AM IST | | AFP
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien scored as Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra yesterday to become the first African qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari gave the 'Black Stars' an early lead and Essien added a second soon after half-time, unleashing a drive that flew into the net at the near post.
The result coupled with closest challengers Benin and Mali drawing 1-1 in Cotonou a few hours earlier left a Ghana side boasting a 100 percent record with an unassailable seven-point Group D advantage.
"It was so important to win, regardless of how we achieved the result. It is still special for us professionals to return home and bring joy to the people of Ghana," Essien told reporters.
"Teamwork brought us success as in previous qualifiers. The side did not feel under pressure because we are used to playing in front of packed crowds like the one in Accra tonight.
"The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa."
