POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa - Ghana struck three superb goals to defeat South Africa 3-1 Saturday and close on a place at the 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament.

United Arab Emirates-based striker Prince Tagoe scored with his right and left foot inside eight minutes during the first half to give the visitors a two-goal half-time advantage at Olen Park in this north-west town.

And Obed Ansah added a third goal five minutes from full-time before Lance Davids reduced arrears for South Africa, held at home by Nigeria in their previous Group A outing and all but mathematically out of contention.

Ghana entertain South Africa in October and Nigeria the following month and two home victories will clinch first place and a second consecutive appearance at the quadrennial under-23 tournament for the west Africans.

Tagoe, who scored in an away loss to Nigeria last June, showed wasteful South Africa how its done after 26 minutes by dashing down the middle and blasting a close-range shot over goalkeeper Ithumeleng Khune.

Davids and Lerato Chabangu squandered chances to equalise before Tagoe struck again, sprinting into space and volleying the ball across Khune into the far corner.

South Africa failed to expose the discomfort of Ghana goalkeeper Eric Baah with crosses during the second half and Ansah unleashed a 'rocket' to put the result beyond doubt before Sweden-based Davids netted from close range.