Ghana goes top of Group I in the qualifying for the 2012 African Cup of Nations after beating Swaziland 3-0 on Sunday in Lombamba.

Andre Ayew, Prince Tagoe and Hans Adu-Sarpei all scored from open play to hand the Black Stars the win in their first competitive international since the end of the World Cup.

Milovan Rajevac kept faith with his World Cup stars as John Paintsil captained the team. Ghana took the lead in the 12th minute when Marseille midfielder Andre Ayew angled a shot from inside the box into the far corner.

Ghana missed numerous goalscoring chances as the Swazi backline put in last-minute blocks to thwart efforts from Asamoah Gyan and Prince Tagoe.

Tagoe saw his header to a corner by Kwadwo Asamoah go off the crossbar to see the half end 1-0 for Ghana.

Ghana went 2-0 up in the 24th minute after recess when Tagoe made amends for his earlier misses by striking a shot from outside the box.

At 2-0 up, Rajevac made his first change, bringing on Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu for Kevin-Prince Boateng.

The Ghana coach followed up with two changes, handing 18-year-old Jordan Ayew his debut after sending him on for brother and teammate Andre while replacing Gyan with Samuel Inkoom.

Hans Sarpei broke his goal duck when after starting a move on the left side of attack run into the box and was presented with a miscued clearance by a Swazi, the Schalke 04 defender curled the ball to the far-right of the goalkeeper in the 81st minute.

The victory sends Ghana to the top of the standings after Sudan beat Congo 2-0 in the other group game.

Ghana line up: Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Hans Adu-Sarpei, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Anthony Annan, Prince Tagoe, Kevin-Prince Boateng/Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Asamoah Gyan/Samuel Inkoom, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew/Jordan Ayew

Subs: Daniel Agyei, Samuel Inkoom, David Addy, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Jordan Ayew, Bernard Kumordzi, Yaw Antwi, Isaac Amoako