History
Ghana first entered the World Cup tournament in 1966. However they withdrew along with 15 other African nations in protest that there was only one place available between the African, Asian and Oceana Confederations. From 1970 onwards they entered each tournament (again withdrawing in 1982) until they finally qualified for the finals for the first time in the 2006 tournament in Germany. They were drawn in Group E along with Italy, the Czech Republic and USA.

Qualification
Ghana became the first African nation other than hosts South Africa to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals when they beat Sudan 2-0 in Accra on 6 September 2009. Goals from midfield stars Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien earned the impressive Black Stars a comfortable victory that opened up an unassailable seven-point lead at the top of Group D. Ghana booked their place in the finals with two round two qualifiers to spare, after four straight wins with seven goals scored and none conceded. A first-minute goal from striker Prince Tagoe secured a 1-0 home victory over Benin in the opening Group D qualifier. The Black Stars then won 2-0 in Mali thanks to second-half goals from midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and striker Matthew Amoah. Ghana continued their winning streak with another 2-0 away victory, this time against Sudan in Omdurman. Amoah scored both goals. Ghana’s progress through the first round of qualifying - during which Serbian Milovan Rajevac was brought in as coach to replace Frenchman Claude Le Roy - was less straightforward. Without always being able to field their strongest side, the Black Stars managed four wins against Lesotho (twice), Libya and Gabon. Despite two away defeats in Gabon and Libya, the Ghanaians still finished top of Group 5, albeit only on goal difference from Gabon and Libya.

Prospects
Ghana will have high hopes of improving on the last 16 finish they achieved in Germany, when they were the only African side to advance to the knockout stages. They were eliminated after losing 3-0 to Brazil, but made a good impression in what was their first appearance at the World Cup finals. The Black Stars were the youngest team in the tournament four years ago - average age of age of 23 years and 352 days - and several members of that squad have matured into genuine world-class performers. Leading players are Chelsea's Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari of Inter Milan, both highly-talented midfielders with the ability to make a big impact in South Africa. However, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac will be praying that Essien stays fit and Muntari is not confined to the Inter Milan substitute's bench in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Another player who could well enhance his reputation is NAC Breda striker Matthew Amoah, who is a hard-working striker with a knack of scoring important goals at international level.