Ghana maintained their superior form over Niger as the local Black Stars secure a 2-1 win in Niamey on Sunday to qualify for the first round of the African Nations Championship.

The Black Stars progress on a 4-1 aggregate scoreline after winning the reverse match 2-0 of the preliminary round fixture at the Tamale Sports Stadium last month.

Ghana advance to the first round stage of the qualifying campaign of the maiden competition organised by CAF.

Heart of Lions attacker, Emmanuel Banahene grabbed a brace after hitting the back of the net in the each half of the game.

Ghana dominated the first half but much play was seen in midfield with some occasional play upfront in search of the opener.

Banahene, starting upfront alongside Eric Bekoe, opened the scoring as he put Ghana in the lead two minutes into injury time of the first half to end the session.

Both sides returned to pitch for the second half and it was Ghana who showed signs of urgency.

Twenty minutes into the half and Ghana got the second goal with Emmanuel Banahene making it 2-0

Ghana coach, Claude Le Roy made some changes bringing on Dominic Adiyah, Taufiq Jibril and Baba Iddi for Jordan Opoku, Francis Akwafo and Eric Bekoe.

The Black Stars held onto their comfortable lead but the host got a consolation in the 82nd minute through Haminu Djibo.

Ghana, almost increased the scoreline but a shot at goal went off the crossbar to the relief of the home fans.

The local Black Stars are now two games away from reaching the finals of the Africa Nations Championships, a new tournament designed by CAF for only home-based players of its member countries.

Ivory Coast will host the maiden competition from the 22nd of February till the 8th of March 2009.

Ghana team:

Fatau Dauda, David Addy, Harrison Afful, John Boye, Hanan Giwah, Edmund Owusu-Ansah, Jordan Opoku/Taufiq Jibril, Emmanuel Badu, Francis Akwafo-Boateng/ Dominic Adiyah, Emmanuel Banahene, Eric Bekoe/ Baba Iddi

Subs: Joseph Addo, Richard Manu, Ekow Benson, Ebow Andoh