Ghana enhanced their qualification chances for places at the 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup with a 3-2 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.
A Laryea Kingston opener followed up by a brace from Junior Agogo gave Ghana a comfortable lead before Lesotho scored two late goals within three minutes of added time to end the match.
The win sees the Black Stars extend their lead at the top of Group 5 despite surviving a late scare from their host.
Laryea Kingston opened the scoring for the Black Stars after just 14 minutes.
The Hearts of Scotland midfielder raced clear off two markers before he let go a low grounder that beat the Basotho goalkeeper.
Junior Agogo doubled Ghana’s lead with four minutes to end the first half from a Michael Essien assist to make it 2-0 ahead at halftime.
A pass from captain John Mensah was directed by Michael Essien into the path of Agogo who was unmarked, raced into the box and rounded up the goalkeeper before he slid the ball into the post.
Back from recess, Ghana maintained their first half dominance over Lesotho and in the 62 minute, Junior Agogo rose to a corner kick from Laryea Kingston and directed it into the post. The goal was the Nottingham Forest striker’s third goal in the qualifiers.
The Ghana bench made some changes with Owusu-Abeyie taking over Prince Tagoe while Agyemang Badu came on for Michael Essien.
Ghana slowed down the pace of the game in the closing stages of the match as Lesotho appeared to have injected more energy and urgency into their play.
And their hard work was paid off in the 91 minute when they caught Ghana out of position in the midfielder and succeeded in pulling a goal back through Muso before finding the back of the next again two minutes later this time from a powerful drive outside the box from Seema.
But time had run out for any more goals as the game ended soon after the second goal by Lesotho.
Ghana are now three points clear at the top of the group after Libya won the other group game 1-0 over Gabon on Saturday. Both Gabon and Lesotho have a game in hand.
Lineup:
Richard Kingson, John Paintsil, Harrison Afful, Eric Addo, John Mensah, Anthony Annan, Laryea Kingston, Michael Essien/Agyeman Badu, Prince Tagoe/Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Junior Agogo, Haminu Draman