Agogo double keeps Ghana on winning track

Striker Junior Agogo scored twice on Sunday as Ghana continued their winning start to the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-2 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.

The Nottingham Forest striker's double followed the opening goal from Scottish-based winger Laryea Kingston, whose long range shot after 15 minutes caught out the Lesotho goalkeeper Sam Ketsekile.

Agogo sprung the offside trap to increase the score four minutes from half-time and then climbed unmarked to head home a 63rd-minute corner.

He might have completed a hat-trick nine minutes from time when a run from winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie set him up in front of goal but a tired shot went over the crossbar.

Lesotho scored a dramatic two goals inside 60 seconds at the end of the game, first from Sello Muso and then a stinging long-range shot from captain Lehlohonolo Seema.

"We lost concentration at the end but I'm satisfied with two wins in a row," said Ghana coach Sillas Tetteh.

With Michael Essien directing midfield traffic, Ghana outclassed their hosts, who had been forced to play the game in South Africa because their stadium in Maseru is being renovated.

Lesotho, hoping to take advantage of the bitterly cold weather and high altitude, kept up a high tempo but only broke down the Black Stars' defence when the game was at an end.

Ghana stayed top of the group standings after beating Libya 3-0 in Kumasi last weekend. It was the first group match for Lesotho, whose game last week in Gabon was postponed.