Ghana beats South Africa to qualify for African World Cup playoffs

Burkina Faso's midfielder Prejuce Nakoulma (C) challenges Ghana's defender Andy Yiadom (L) and Ghana's midfielder Ebenezer Ofori during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations third place football match between Burkina Faso and Ghana in Port-Gentil on February 4, 2017. / AFP PHOTO

Ghana's dream of a return to the World Cup in Qatar next year is very alive following its 1-0 win over South Africa at the Cape Coast sports stadium on Sunday.

The home team who needed to win to qualify for the African playoffs began the match well by piling pressure on the away team.

The efforts of the Black Stars paid off as captain Andre Ayew expertly converted a penalty in the 33rd minute after Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey was fouled in the penalty box.

The South Africans, who had not lost a match in the qualifiers, changed their game plan in the second half but a tactically disciplined and resolute Black Stars frustrated their efforts.

With the win, Ghana tops Group G with 13 points and an additional goal advantage over South Africa who finished second with the same points.

Ethiopia and Zimbabwe are third and fourth with five points and two points respectively.

The playoffs among 10 countries to determine the five teams to represent Africa in Qatar is scheduled for March 2022.