The Black Stars of Ghana beat South Africa 1-0 to book a place in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers courtesy of Andre Ayew penalty in the first half.
The Black Stars secured the top spot despite being level on 13 points with Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Ghana qualified based on superior goals scored in the qualifiers beating Bafana Bafana by one goal.
Andre Ayew’s penalty kick on in his 100th match for the Black Stars was enough to send Ghana to the play-off round.
Ghana trainer Milovan Rajevac made two alterations to the squad that held Ethiopia to a 1-1 stalemate at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg last Thursday.
Alexander Djiku returned from suspension to take his place in the starting lineup replacing Joseph Aidoo.
Richmond Boakye-Yiadom also paved way in the places for midfielder Mubarak Wakaso.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos made three changes to the squad that pipped Zimbabwe 1-0 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday.
An injury to Evidence Makgopa at training saw him out of the starting lineup with Sepana Victor Letsoalo taking his place.
Youngster Ethan Duncan Brooks earned a starting role as he replaced Kaizer Chiefs player Keagan Dolly while Siyanda Xulu took the place of Njabulo Ngcobo in central defence.
The Black Stars with a big opportunity to go ahead in the 17th minute but fluffed the ball over the crossbar by substitute Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.
Ghana got their noses in front in the 33rd minute through skipper Andre Dede Ayew who scored from the spot.
Percy Tau came close to getting the equaliser as his effort from the edge of the box was equally saved by goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott.
The Bafana Bafana kept pushing for the leveller but despite all their efforts they couldn’t get the back of the net.
Black Stars secure a place in the play-offs and will know their opponents on 18 December 2021 when the draw is done.
