Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier: Swaziland 0-3 Ghana

Ghana cruised to a 3-0 victory over Swaziland in their opening CAF 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier today.

Midfielder Andre Ayew put the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finalists ahead on 13 minutes, connecting a pass from Italy-based midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah

Striker Prince Tagoe struck the second midway through the second half

Germany-based left fullback Hans Sarpei netted his first-ever international goal on 80 minutes when scramble home after a Swazi defender failed to properly clear his lines.

Jordan Ayew, 18, made his full international for Ghana when he replaced his older brother Andre in the 79th minute.

Sunderland record-breaking signing Asamoah Gyan would have made it 2-0 for Ghana after 32 minutes, but his shot missed target narrowly after he was put through by Hoffenheim striker Tagoe.

Tagoe’s header crashed against the crossbar a minute to half-time and a follow-up by Kevin-Prince Boateng was cleared off the goalline.

In the second half, the home team lifted their game considerably with Orlando Pirates winger Dennis Masina leading the Swaziland charge.

In the 66th minute, Swazi captain Eugene Dlamini fired wide on the edge of the Ghana 18-yard box, only for the host team to let in the second a minute.

Ghana played this match amid rumours that Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac has signed a lucrative year’s deal with Saudi club Ahli of Jeddah. Neither coach nor the Ghana Football Association (GFA) would comment on this.

Bar the retired Stephen Appiah, Ghana paraded the team that did Africa proud at the 2010 World Cup by reaching the last eight of the tournament.

Ghana, Africa's second-highest ranked team compared to Swaziland's 35th place in the continent's pecking order, went to the top of Group I on goal difference from Sudan, who defeated Congo 2-0 in Omdurman yesterday.

Summary

Goals: Dede Ayew(13min), Prince Tagoe, Hans Adu Sarpei(81min)

Ghana starting line-up:

Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Sarpei, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony Annan, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Dede Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah, Prince Tagoe, Asamoah Gyan.