Black Stars of Ghana Done It Again - - First African Country Through to The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

Ghana's Black Stars became the first African soccer team to qualify for the 2010 World Cup when they beat Sudan at home in Accra by two goals to nil.

Although the win was widely anticipated, the team's place at the top of its group was sealed by a 1-1 draw between Benin and Mali, two other teams in the group, in Cotonou.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien scored as Ghana defeated Sudan 2-0 in Accra to become the first African nation other than the hosts to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup 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 before, left the Ghanaian side boasting a 100 per cent record with an unassailable seven-point Group D advantage. It will be the second successive FIFA World Cup appearance for Ghana, who did best of the five African teams in Germany three years ago by reaching the knockout second round before losing 3-0 to defending champions Brazil.

"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 said.

"What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa, reiterated Michael Essien of Ghana.