There is every indication that the 2010 World Cup qualifying series to pick the best five for South Africa will be a hectic race. Ghanaian football fans were privileged to witness two of the group stage matches in Accra and Kumasi involving Togo and Cameroun, Ghana and Benin and the similarities in the two matches were significant.

Togo’s 1-0 win over Cameroun in Accra was contrary to the experts’ prediction that made Cameroun the rank favourites. Togo played it hard and tough and when they got the curtain raiser they packed the defence and Cameron striker Samuel Etoo with all his skills could not find an antidote to the wonderful tight marking by Togo.

Ghana against Benin in Kumasi nearly followed the same pattern. Ghana the experts’ favourites were given a big scare by Benin who played it hard, packed their defence and made excellent use of their offside traps.

Luckily, Ghana had taken the lead within the first fifty seconds through Prince Tagoe’s fine connection from a Sulley Muntari precise cross from the left flank. The packed stadium obviously anticipating an oracle to be fulfilled nearly saw a miracle performed as Benin fought back gallantly and at certain stages even outsmarting the famous Black Stars in ball possession. It needed all the experience of Michael Essien and Co to hold the marauding Beninois who were inspired by some brilliant goalkeeping.

This narrow win is enough to put Ghana on top of their group following the 1-1 draw by Mali and Sudan in Khartoum. One may be tempted to say that the Black Stars were lucky to get an early goal but don’t forget the saying that “the end justifies the means”.