 Appiah found the target twice |
Captain Stephen Appiah from Italian club Juventus scored twice as Ghana crushed South Africa 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday. It was Ghana's first victory over South Africa in six attempts and the second heaviest loss suffered by Bafana Bafana in a World Cup qualifier since making their debut in the competition 12 years ago.
Sule Muntari put the Black Stars ahead after 14 minutes at Kumasi Sports Stadium and Appiah struck twice in the second half as the visitors wilted under constant pressure.
With Cape Verde Islands pipping Uganda 1-0 and the DR Congo edging out Burkina Faso 3-2 in other Group Two matches, all six teams have three points each.
Ghana lead on goal difference while South Africa plunged to the bottom of the table.
While Ghana attacked from the kick-off and performed with passion, many South African players appeared disinterested.
Strikers George Koumantarakis and Siyabonga Nomvete rarely threatened goalkeeper Sammy Adjei.
The result leaves English coach Stuart Baxter with an unexpectedly early crisis as Bafana Bafana were lucky to beat minnows Cape Verde 2-1 at home in their opening qualifier.
"They (Ghana) dealt with the conditions much better than we did," Baxter said afterwards.
"Football is a game of confidence and while Ghana grew in the game with confidence we died out there."
MMIX
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