By Durosimi Thomas BBC Sport Online in Accra

Group 13: Ghana 4-2 Rwanda

Ghana recovered from going a goal down to beat Rwanda 4-2 in in a hard-fought encounter in Accra on Sunday.

Local-based skipper Charles Taylor of Hearts of Oak played a captain's game to inspire the Black Stars to earn Ghana's first win in the qualifiers.

Twice Taylor had only the Rwandan keeper to beat but the striker placed the ball straight into the hands of Cyprien Rwakabula.

However, consistent pressure in the second-half paid its dividends as Taylor rounded his marker to fire into the corner of the net to put Ghana back firmly on a 3-2 lead in the 58th minute.

Despite losing the game, Rwanda left the Accra Sports Stadium with their heads held high after taking the lead in the 16th minute through Hassan Milly's header from a corner.

Rwanda's resilience and composure to get into the picture and open the scores stunned the 40,000 fans.

The Central Africans held their nerve again to level matters on 43 minutes when Hamad Ndikumana scored a penalty after Joseph Hendricks conceded a controversial penalty for bringing down Belgium-based Desire Mbonabuyca.

Ghana's equalizer came from an own goal when Elias Ntaganda's poor clearance curled into the back of the net in the 24th minute.

With the Black Stars still playing flat and out of sorts, Mohamed Hamza gave the hosts the lead in the 41st minute from a rebound to make it 2-1.

Substitute Derrick Boateng came on in the second-half to exhibit style and skill which led to the fourth goal after he squared a pass for Peter Ofori-Quaye who was brought down by Rwakabula.

Boateng stepped up for the kick to seal victory for Ghana and give the home fans some relief.