Ghana has reclaimed the top spot in Group 5 in the African zone qualifiers of the 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup after beating Gabon at home on Sunday.

The Black Stars strode to deserving 2-0 win over Gabon that sees them return to the top of Group 5, which was occupied by Libya on Saturday by a by a superior goal difference.

Goals from Prince Tagoe in the first half and another in the second period of the game by Sulley Muntari sealed victory over the Gabonese at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

The victory saw Ghana bounce back from the away loss to Gabon last week and head into September’s meeting against Libya in Tripoli as leaders of Group 5.

Just some 8 minutes into the match and Ghana survived an injury scare after Issah Ahmed, returning to the team since 2006, went off to receive treatment by medical team on the Black Stars bench.

A strong start to the game saw Ghana coming close on a number of occasions before Prince Tagoe hit the up-right in the 17th minute after a pass was laid on for him by Junior Agogo.

Sulley Muntari and Junior Agogo both came close but their efforts could not break the deadlock.

Gabon tested Ghana’s goalkeeper, Richard Kingson, who managed to push out a close range shot by Rogur Meye.

Then in the 30th minute, Prince Tagoe flicked the ball with his head, turned and shrugged off a challenge from two markers, made his way into the box after leaving his markers trailing and with the Gabonese goalkeeper, Didier Ovono committed, he poked the ball into the post – his second goal in the qualifiers and also for the Black Stars.

The tough tackles by the Gabonese saw referee Damon Jerome hand the yellow card to Stephane Nguema and Thierry Issiemou in the first half.

Ten minutes later, Ghana had a goal disallowed for an offside after a 25 yard drive by Anthony Annan deflected off Junior Agogo into the post to end the first half 1-0 for Ghana.

The second half started with Ghana seeking to extend their first half lead.

Ghana could have found the second five minutes in the second half, but Prince Tagoe took a touch too far and saw his shot blocked by goalkeeper Ovono.

Prince Tagoe was on hand again but he hit the upright when his connection to a Laryea cross from the left came off the post but Junior Agogo failed to find the target from close range.

In the 60th minute, Ghana made a change, the first in the game as John Boye was sent on for Issah Ahmed who played on despite picking up an injury in the first half.

Ghana made a second change with Quincy Owusu-Abeyie taking over from Laryea Kingston.

Essien run through the Gabon defence to a free kick by Sulley Muntari but goalkeeper Ovono pushed his goal attempt away.

Ghana got the second goal in the 76th minute from Sulley Muntari who slotted in from close range a low cross from the left by Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, who did a wonderful work displacing a Gabonese off the ball.

Soon after the goal, Ghana made a third substitution with Junior Agogo going off for Haminu Draman.

Gabon hardly threatened the Ghana defence as John Mensah, Afful, Boye and Painstil held the back line really tight.

Ghana, however had to play the last five minutes of regular time plus an additional four minutes of added time with ten men after Anthony Annan went off injured when he landed awkwardly on his shoulder and he never returned.

Ghana line up:

Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, John Mensah, Issah Ahmed/John Boye, Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston/Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Junior Agogo/Haminu Draman, Prince Tagoe