Ghana 2 - Zambia 1

Kumasi was the site of the highly contentious clash between hosts Ghana and visiting Zambia.  Zambia needed a win to advance; anything less and Ghana would win the group.  Zambia were locked out of a scheduled training session at the grounds the night before the match, adding to the already poisonous atmosphere between the two federations.  John Boye initially missed a chance to bring a ball down on the endline, but he did a 270-degree spin with Zambia defender Stoppila Sunzu on his back and volleyed a cross to the near post, where Majeed Waris was waiting for a header goal.  Zambia were too concerned by the lack of a foul call to maintain concentration and keep pace with Waris, who scored his second international goal.  Ghana were ahead 1-0 at halftime.

Nathan Sinkala made a crucial steal in his own penalty area in order to keep Zambia close, but no Zambian was able to keep the second goal from eventually being scored.  Kwadwo Asamoah was not closed down from distance at the midway mark of the half, so he let fly and the result was a laser goal from thirty yards out.  Zambia now needed three goals to remain alive in the competition.  Emmanuel Mayuka could have had the first, but he failed to latch onto a through ball with only the goalkeeper to beat.  Ten minutes after the Asamoah goal, Zambia pulled one back through a corner kick that was rolled to the top of the box.  Sinkala was open to strike, and his shot was well struck for a goal.  It was too little, too late for the Chipolopolo, however.  Ghana win 2-1 and advance to round three of African qualifying.  Zambia are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana 15 pts IN
Zambia OUT
Sudan OUT
Lesotho OUT

Goals
Ghana
Majeed Waris 17
Kwadwo Asamoah 62

Zambia
Nathan Sinkala 72

Match Reports:
http://www.viasat1.com.gh/v1/vnews/sports.php?postId=1884
http://www.goal.com/en-gh/match/82093/ghana-vs-zambia/report
http://sports.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/112723.php
http://www.sportlive.co.za/soccer/international/2013/09/07/ghana-defeat-zambia-2-1-to-reach-play-offs

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yro-vAUczwM

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj682tq8x94