Ghana’s upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier against Mali was given a boost as the team managed an impressive 2-1 win over Uganda in an international friendly played Sunday evening at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

Debut goals from Ernest Papa Arko and Yusif Chibsah put Ghana in the lead before the Cranes got a consolation goal with two minutes of play left.

The Black Stars playing their first ever game in the Northern part of the country used the match as preparations for 2010 World Cup double-header this month.

Ghana faces two tough away matches in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with the Black Stars paired against Mali on June 7 and a game with Sudan, thirteen days later.

Without the full complement of his team, Milovan Rajevac lined up his team which included new faces - Ernest Papa Arko, Yusif Chibsah and Opoku Agyemang – as John Paintsil captained the Black Stars to record the win.

Papa Arko who finished as top scorer in the just ended Egyptian league continued with his impressive form as he broke the deadlock for Ghana in the 35th minute.

Uganda’s goalkeeper, Simon, who made some good saves all evening, denied Ghana many opportunities to find the back of the net as the game went into the break with the Black Stars leading 1-0.

Twenty minutes into the second half and Yusif Chibsah angled home from close range a shot to make it 2-0 for Ghana.

But the Cranes pulled a goal back through Sunkuma Geoffery with two minutes of normal time remaining as Ugandan coach Bobby Williamson watched that goal from the stands after he had been sent off by the match referee.