Ghana posted a 2-1 win over the Gambia in the first leg of the final round qualifier to next year’s African Youth Championship.

Rabiu Mohammed and Samuel Inkoom grabbed the goals for Ghana within three minutes in the second half after having fallen to a first half lead by the Gambians.

The visitors jumped into the lead at the Ohene Djan Stadium in the 19th minute through Paul Jaita whose cracker beat Satellites goalkeeper Joseph Addo.

The Black Satellites struggled to make an impression in the first session as Ransford Osei’s penalty miss in the 44th minute capped a poor half for Ghana.

Ghana upped their performance in the second period as they continuously pushed the backline of the Gambians for the equaliser.

The home fans' mood was lifted further with the Black Satellites’ goal search and in the 62nd minute, Ghana managed to draw level.

Sadick Adams, who was very lively in the second half laid the ball into the path midfielder Rabiu Mohammed and drove in a shot from outside the box to put Ghana at par on the scorecards.

Three minutes after the equaliser, Ghana this time went ahead with Samuel Inkoom slotting in from close range.

But the Gambians after conceding two goals within three minutes packed their rear and defended well as they thwarted all of Ghana’s attempts.

Africa’s qualifying series has now been narrowed down to 14 sides after July’s first round of qualifiers.

Seven teams would qualify over a two-leg fixture for the Championship to be hosted by Rwanda in 2009.

Ghana plays Gambia in Banjul in a fortnight with the winner over the two-leg fixture going through to the finals.