The Black Stars flexed their muscles to hit seven goals against minnows Lesotho on Friday in their opening game of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers to go top of Group D. Captain Sulley Muntari – who wore the armband as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and John Mensah were missing – broke the deadlock in the 15thminute to give Ghana a perfect start. In a real blast from the past, U-20 World Cup star Dominic Adiyiah scored twice on 24 and 50 minutes and rising striker Jordan Ayew repaid the faith of his coach Kwesi Appiah by netting another brace 45 and 88 minutes. Debutants Christian Atsu (85 and 88) and Jeremiah Akamino (92) were also on the scoresheet to complete the rout. Lesotho ended the game with 10 men on the pitch as defender Tsoanelo Koetle was sent off just seconds before the final whistle. The game was on the verge of being abandoned in the second half because of a power failure but it resumed after almost an hour. Coach Appiah - who succeeded serbian tactician Goran Stavanovic - could have not hoped for a better start ahead of next week's crucial tie against African champions Zambia. Soudan host Zambia on Saturday in the second Group D game. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO Sports)
