Two superb goals – one in each half – ensured the Black Stars beat lowly Swaziland in their penultimate qualifier and inched closer to next year’s Nation’s Cup to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Asamoah Gyan headed home from close range just ten minutes into the game and an Agyemang Badu trademark shot gave the Ghanaians the maximum points in a game they so dominated and should have won by a wider margin.
The Swazis looked an improved side from their 0-3 drubbing on home soil in the first leg but hardly posed any threat at all to the Ghana side.
And the fact that Adam Kwarasey – who gained his first cap after his nationality switch – was never tested the entire duration is testament of the lopsidedness of an otherwise competitive game.
It was the Stars in full flight shortly after referee Cordien Adam blew his whistle and they dazzled with a fluid inter passing game right from defence through to midfield to the attack led by Asamoah Gyan.
In one of such delectable build ups, Dominic Adiyiah, having been spotted with a long searching ball by Paintsil, sent a sumptuous cross on the right deep into the six-yard box and was powerfully connected by the on-coming Asamoah Gyan for the Stars’ opening goal.
Gyan who was making his return after being red-carded in the match against Sudan looked a tough customer for Swazis Siboniso Rocco Malambe.
The Sunderland striker had his penalty appeal disregarded shortly after his goal and forced a superb fingertip save from Sandile Lawrence Ginindza in post for the Swazis with a well taken shot from close range.
Unfortunately that will be the final enterprise for Gyan who was stretchered-off after a thigh sprain.
The Stars pushed for more goals with Dede Ayew’s glancing header from a corner fly just wide.
Prince Tagoe shortly after taking the place of Gyan should have increased the tally but shot directly into the path of Ginindza on the stroke of half time.
Starting the second half in a similar fashion as he ended the first, Prince Tagoe fluffed another glorious opportunity in the 47th minute.
Tagoe perfectly controlled a Daniel Opare cross on the chest and with Ginindza to beat, the Bursaspor striker shot feebly with his left to the foot of the Swazi goalkeeper.
The Swazi attack led by Dennis Macina was blunt and posed no threat at all to Isaac Vorsah and Jonathan Mensah.
But a man of the match performance by Derek Boateng brought a lot of stability in midfield with his sublime, deft touches and good combination with Badu, Andre Ayew and Adiyiah.
Kwadwo Asamoah brought a lot of bite to the Stars’ attack after coming on for Sulley Muntari who looked listless throughout the evening.
The Stars dominated play but had only a goal to show for it, thanks to the comedy of errors in front of goal.
From a well defended corner Adiyiah made a lightening run on the left, beat his markers and spotted his strike partner Tagoe who played Agyemang Badu through with a superb return.
The Udinese striker snuffed a thunderbolt from 25 yards, beating Ginindze and securing a well deserved second goal for the Black Stars.
Kwadwo Asamoah in a last gasp effort struck from 30 yards, beat goalkeeper Ginindze but not the cross bar, denying the Stars’ kinpin a rare goal.
Two goals to nil it ended in favour of the Stars. They will now travel to Sudan to determine which of the two teams top Group I.
Watch the goals by Asamoah Gyan and Agyemang Badu.