Ghana has sealed qualification to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon after securing a 2-0 away victory over Mauritius on Sunday.
The dominant Black Stars had to wait till the second half before scoring both goals and in quick succession following superb assist efforts by Chelsea left-back Baba Rahman.
Captain Andre Ayew opened the scoring on 71 minutes before Christian Atsu doubled the advantage three minutes later.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey was handed his senior Ghana debut as he came on for Frank Acheampong in the 80th minute. Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Jeffrey Schlupp also came on in the second half as Avram Grant ensured making use of all his substitution options.
Ghana continue to top Group H with 13 points from 5 games, a feat which automatically hands the four-time African champions a place at the January 21-February 12, 2017 tournament – the 7th consecutive qualification since 2006.
The Black Stars will be giving another shot at the Afcon title they narrowly lost to Ivory Coast after a penalty shootout in the finals of the 2015 edition. Ghana last won the Afcon trophy in 1982.
Line-ups:
Ghana: Razak Brimah – Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye – Mubarak Wakaso/Agyemang Badu, Afriyie Acquah, Christian Atsu/Jeffrey Schlupp, Frank Acheampong/Thomas Partey – Andre Ayew (c), Jordan Ayew
Mauritius XI: Kevin Jean-Louis – Marco Dorza, Emmanuel Vincent, Damien Balisson, Francis Rasolofonirina, Brendon Citorah – Jonathan Pierre Bru (c), Colin Bell, Guiyano Chiffone, Kevin Bru – Gary Noël