Ghana became the first African team to secure their place in the 2010 World Cup finals after defeating Sudan 2-0 in Accra on Sunday. Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari needed 14 minutes to give the hosts the lead. Chelsea's Michael Essien made sure of victory with a 53rd-minute strike as Ghana reached their second successive World Cup. The unbeaten Black Stars are on top of Group D with 12 points and have an unassailable seven point-lead over second-placed Mali with two matches remaining. Ghana's maiden World Cup participation came in the previous tournament in 2006 when they reached the second round before being eliminated by Brazil. Sudan risk missing out on a place in next year's African Cup of Nations as they lie at the bottom with just one point. They need to leapfrog third-placed Benin, who have four points, if they are to reach the Dark Continent's premier tournament that will take place in Angola.
