Barreto won his first match in charge of a Ghanaian side

Ghana have defeated Algeria 2-0 in an Olympic qualifier in Kumasi on Sunday to go top of group D.

The Ghanaians scored a goal in each half through Israel-based Ishmael Addo and Kwadwo Poku to leap-frog Zambia, who beat South Africa on Saturday on goal difference with both sides tied on seven points each.

Algeria are in third-place on six points while South Africa are bottom with three points and two round of matches remaining.

Addo's goal came in the 40th minute after Algeria failed to clear a freekick. Ghana went on to dominate in the second-half but had to wait until the 77th minute to score the second goal.

Poku, who came on as a substitute, received a square pass from Razak Ibrahim and the King Faisal player made no mistake from about eight yards.

Algeria were far from being impressive and rarely threatened a Ghanaian side who were playing for the first time under new Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto.

Algeria were reduced to ten men after 71 minutes when Adlene Bebsaid was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The win thrilled Barreto whose appointment to the job was criticised by the Ghanaian media.