GHANA'S JOURNEY TO FIFA WORLD CUP

Ghana's historic journey to their first FIFA World Cup finals began with a comfortable qualifying victory over Somalia, a 7-0 aggregate success that sent the Black Stars into the group stage.

There they were drawn with 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa in Group 2 and after opening their campaign with a 1-0 defeat in Burkina Faso, they signalled their intent by beating South Africa 3-0 in Kumasi on 20 June 2004, a famous victory secured by goals from Sulley Ali Muntari and captain Stephen Appiah (2).

They topped the group for the first time in September 2004 after beating Cape Verde Islands 2-0, again in Kumasi – now considered their lucky ground – but their momentum faltered following the sudden departure of coach Mariano Barreto, who quit to take over at Portuguese club Maritimo.

Sam Arday held the reins for a short time before the Serbian Ratomir Dujkovic took charge in late 2004. His reign began with a draw against Congo DR but after scraping a 2-1 home win against Burkina Faso on 5 June 2005, the Black Stars were back on track. A memorable 2-0 success in South Africa a fortnight later restored them to the top of the group. A place in Germany was now within reach and they held their nerve to beat Uganda before stamping their ticket in style with a 4-0 victory over Cape Verde in Praia.

For Ghana, a place on world football’s greatest stage is long overdue. They have won four CAF African Cup of Nations titles – in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982 - and twice captured the FIFA Under-17 World Championship. Moreover, they have produced some of Africa’s most talented footballers down the years - men like Osei Koffi, Abdulrazak Karim, Ben Acheampong, Afriye and George Al Hassan, in addition to 1990s stars Abedi Pele and Anthony Yeboah.

Ironically, their success comes at a time when they do not have as many big names but instead a youthful team with a disciplined approach fostered by coach Dujkovic, who offered an early statement of his no-nonsense approach by excluding former captain Samuel Kuffour from the squad.

The shining lights in this Black Stars team are captain Appiah and Chelsea man Michael Essien – the most expensive player in the history of African football – who together with Udinese's skilful Muntari, give Ghana a formidable-looking midfield.

Up front, Asamoah Gyan and Dutch-based Matthew Amoah, back after almost two years in the international wilderness, ensure their team-mates’ efforts are rewarded with goals.

Group E Match Schedule where Ghana is a member of that group: