Head Coach of the senior national team, the Black Stars, Kwesi Appiah has lauded his players for their commitment to duty and tactical discipline which enabled the team to emerge victorious in their opening World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

Ghana spanked their opponents 7-0, with goals coming from Sulley Muntari (19th), Dominic Adiyiah (25th and 50th), Jordan Ayew (45th and 88th), Christian Atsu (85th) and Jerry Akaminko (90th).

The feat thus places the Stars on top of Group “D” and closely followed by Sudan, who also defeated African Champions, Zambia, 2-0 in another qualifier.

Coach Appiah, who was playing his first official match as Head of the technical team, said the Stars played in accordance with his game plan and credited them with the humility and unity of purpose exhibited by the players on the field of play.

The Stars, he said, were aware of the implications of the outcome of the match and what it meant to the entire nation and therefore left no stone unturned to ensure victory to assuage the expectations and the passion of the people.

“I know the players played for me and for themselves, as well as the entire nation and I commend them for the feat chalked”, he told the GNA Sports in Kumasi.

Coach Appiah indicated that he has confidence in the players and has the hope that they would continue to exhibit a high sense of professionalism whenever they are called up for national duty to benefit the nation.

On the results of the match, the Stars adopted a 4-4-2 system with Dominic Adiyiah and Jordan Ayew, who spearheaded the attack, bombarding the Lesotho defence with series of surging runs to get their opponents confused and tired.

Playing according to a well-rehearsed strategy, Ghana could have recorded more than seven goals but squandered the numerous chances that came their way.

Ghana is expected to play Zambia in a crucial encounter in the latter’s home grounds this coming Saturday.**