... one victory away from Beijing Olympics Accra, Oct 14, GNA - Ghana's Olympic team, Black Meteors inched closer to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, courtesy a 3-1 thrashing over their South African counterparts, Amaglug-glug in a Group A qualifier at the El-Wak Sports Stadium on Sunday.

A brace from Udinese striker Asamoah Gyan and another from Greek-based Bernard Kumordzi ensured the Meteors completed a famous double over the South African, after beating them by a similar margin at their backyard in August.

The result takes the Meteors to the apex of the Group with six points, two more than closest rivals Nigeria, with the Amaglug-glug rooted at the bottom with just a point.

The tensioned packed game started on a high note with the Ghanaians, who paraded seven foreign-based players in the starting line up dictating the pace from the onset.

The trio of Kumordzi, Anthony Annan and captain Michael Helegbe had the upper-hand in the midfield battle, which made the Amaglug-glug rear the busier on the opening minutes.

The attacking trio of Nafiu Iddrisu of ASEC Mimosas, Prince Tagoe and Gyan combined beautifully upfront and often became victims of rough play from the likes of Kelvin Sosibo, Thepelo Tshito and Musa Bilankulu. In one of such moves of the Meteors in the 28th minute, Nafiu, who has been in terrific with ASEC in the Ivorian Championship was fouled by his marker close to the penalty area.

Gyan headed home the opener from Helegbe's free-kick to send the thousands of fans into an ecstatic mood with Amaglug-glug goalie Humeleng Khune completely beaten.

The Meteors piled the pressure on their guests and six minutes later Kumordzi doubled the lead just on the edge of the box. The lanky midfielder connected beautifully from Michael Akuffo's cross from the left flank.

Well-built Isaac Vorsah, who was a pillar in the Meteors defence was on hand to foil the attacks of the South Africans on several occasions.

The visitors resumed strongly and succeeded in reducing the deficit in the 56th minute through Edwin Isaacs, who soared above his markers to nod home Bryce Moon's cross from the right flank.

Meteors coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio introduced Sampson Cudjoe, Obed Ansah and Kojo Asamoah for Michael Akuffo, Nafiu and Helegbe respectively later in the game and it paid off.

With four minutes to full time, Gyan sealed victory with his second of the day with a curling shot beyond the reach of the Amaglug-glug goalie after rounding off his marker beautifully.

The Meteors will wrap their campaign with the ultimate match on November 18 against Nigeria at the same venue.

The top placed team at the end qualifies for next year's Olympic Games.

Line up: Nii Baah; Michael Akuffo, Isaac Vorsah, Bawah Mumuni, Daniel Addo; Yao Kumordzi Bernard, Michael Helegbe, Anthony Annan; Gyan Asamoah, Nafiu Iddrisu, Prince Tagoe

Table

 .............P W D L GF GA Pts
 Ghana .......3 2 0 1 8   5  6
 Nigeria .....2 1 1 0 4   3  4
 South Africa 3 0 1 2 3   7  1