FIFA Confirms Stars 2010 World Cup place

Accra, Sept. 7, GNA - World soccer governing body, FIFA has officially confirmed the Black Stars qualification for the South Africa 2010 World Cup.

The Black Stars beat the Desert Hawks of Sudan 2-0 last Sunday at the Ohene Djan Sorts stadium in Accra to move to 12 points, seven more than closest rivals the Eagles of Mali with two games remaining.

FIFA General Secretary, Jerome Valcke confirmed the participation in a letter addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and copied to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup picked by GNA Sports in Accra on Monday.

"After two years of disputed and exciting preliminary competition in Africa, the Black Stars reached yesterday the necessary number of points to be crowned with success in these hard-fought qualifiers.

"We are pleased to warmly congratulate the GFA and its national team for brilliantly qualifying as the first African team for the final tournament of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, next to South Africa, the hosts.

The General Secretary reminded the GFA to get in contact with the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee, South Africa in order to further advance in the logistical preparations of the tournament for the Black Stars.

Valcke added that his outfit is looking forward to a continued smooth cooperation with the Ghana Association.

The Stars next play Benin in Cotonou on October 10 before wrapping up against Mali in Accra on November 14.

Ghana was the only African team to have reached the last 16 at their maiden attempt three years ago at the Germany 2006 World Cup.