Michael Essien is happy to have aided Ghana become first African nation to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Ghana beat Sudan 2-0 on Sunday in Accra to confirm their place at next summer’s showpiece even with two games to spare in Group D.

The Black Stars have kept a clean sheet in the final round qualifiers are top of the table with 12 points, seven more than the second-placed side.

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari gave the Black Stars an early lead and Essien added a second soon after half-time, unleashing a drive that flew into the net at the near post as closest challengers Benin and Mali had draw 1-1 in Cotonou a few minutes before Ghana kicked off.

It will be the second successive FIFA World Cup appearance for Ghana, and Essien has hailed it as a ‘fantastic feeling’ for being the first side to reach the 2010 finals on the continent.

"It was so important to win, regardless of how we achieved the result. It is still special for us professionals to return home and bring joy to the people of Ghana," Essien said after the game.

"Teamwork brought us success as in previous qualifiers. The side did not feel under pressure because we are used to playing in front of packed crowds like the one in Accra tonight.

"The people of Ghana wanted us to win and we did not let them down. What a fantastic feeling to be the first African country to qualify for the first World Cup to be staged in Africa."