Assisant Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah insists the Black Stars were unlucky to have only earned a point after a frustrating goalless draw game with Sudan in the qualification for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

Ghana who beat the Nile Crocodiles back-to-back last year in the run up to the 2010 World Cup finals failed to break down a solid Sudan side who massed up in defence at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

Though the Black Stars, on four points apiece with Sudan, remain at the summit of Group I with a superior goal advantage, Asamoah Gyan's sending off with 10 minutes to go added to the disappointment as a win could have seen Ghana go three points clear at the top.

But Appiah says the challenge was always going to be tough as Ghana missed opportunities that could have handed them all three points going into the third qualifying match.

"We made a good start to the campaign with an opening win and were determined to beat Sudan to maintain our run, but we could only settle for a point and there is still a long way to go," Appiah told www.ghanafa.org after the game.

"I admit that we had some difficulties in certain times of the game but still deserved to win, but we must continue with our hard-work."

"Even with a man down, we were still on top of them and kept on pushing. I think we were unlucky but the Sudanese also defended well."

Ghana’s next game in the qualifiers will be in March against Congo, Appiah believes just like the two opening games, it would be tough.

"That would also be tough. After their win against Swaziland, they would know that they have a chance, so I expect them to be determined. Congo is a good side. But Ghana can still preserve their unbeaten run and build on that. Winning every game is the only guarantee of reaching the finals so we would have that at the back of our minds."

The draw left Ghana on four points apiece with Sudan from their opening two games, while Congo has three and Swaziland are yet to pick a point with the qualifiers set to continue next year.

The 2012 African Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.