Expectations were weighing on Ghana ahead of World Cup but the Black Stars on Friday night gave local fans a glimpse of their firepower with a 6-1 thumping of a local select-side.

Kwesi Appiah's team scored through Christian Atsu, Jordan Ayew, Albert Adomah and Sulley Muntari.

The Black Stars coach took the opportunity to have a look at the depth of his squad ahead of their departure to the Netherlands on Saturday to continue with preparations.

Atsu, who hit a hat-trick on the night opened the scoring after three minutes to set the near-to-capacity crowd at the Accra Stadium into thunderous jubilation.

The Vitesse Arnhiem player, who is gunning for his World Cup debut dribbled Nuru Sulley and slotted past former Black Stars goalkeeper George Owu.

The Black Stars, who have also qualified for the World Cup which starts in Brazil on June 12, continued their early domination scoring four more to end the first half five-nil.

Atsu doubled the national team's lead seven minutes later when he reacted quickest to tap in from close range, after Owu had spilled an Ayew shot into his path.

After all his industry, Ayew, found target to make it 3-0 before Atsu, beautifully controlled a ball with his chest into the box and beat the goalkeeper for his personal third and the Black Stars' fourth goal.

Adomah grabbed the fifth as the Black Stars went into recess with a healthy lead.

In the second half, the local select side lifted their game but struggled to get past a Ghana backline controlled by Jerry Akaminko, Jonathan Mensah,John Boye and Rashid Sumaila in both halves.

However, they finally broke through and earned a penalty converted by Bright Adjei.

With a goal to their credit, the local select-side started pushing to bridge the gap but they were undone when second half substitute, Asamoah Gyan was fouled around the box.

And from the freekick, Muntari wrapped up a great work-out with the sixth goal to end the Black Stars first phase of preparation for the World Cup in Accra.

Present were a host of dignitaries headlined by the Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur and former President Jerry John Rawlings.


The team leaves for Holland on Saturday to prepare for a friendly game against Holland on May 31.

First half XI Stephen Adams, Samuel Inkoom, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jerry Akaminko, Jonathan Mensah, Afriyie Acquah, Albert Adomah, Agyemang Badu, Jordan Ayew, Christian Atsu, David Accam

Second half XI Fatau Dauda, Rashid Sumaila, Daniel Opare, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Rabiu Mohammed, Mubarak Wakasu, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew