Zambia Pip Ghana 1-0

Ghana's hopes of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup suffered a setback on Saturday, as the national team succumbed 1-0 against Zambia in the Second Round in Ndola.

Kwesi Appiah's team found themselves a goal down in the first half that separated both sides at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in the Group D fixture of the African qualifiers.

Zambia after the goal soaked up all the pressure from Ghana before finishing the game off.

Christopher Katongo ran into the Ghana box and controlled a pass before hitting past Adam Kwarasey into the far corner in the 15th minute.

The goal stood between both teams going into the break and back from recess, Ghana's bench attempted to inject more efficiency into the game with three changes.

Christian Atsu replaced Kwadwo Asamoah ten minutes into the start of the second half before Anthony Annan was introduced for Derek Boateng in the 65th minute.

Thirteen minutes later, Kwesi Appiah exhausted his cards, bringing Richard Mpong for captain Sulley Muntari.

Zambia, who had a partisan crowd backing them, are now level on points, three apiece, with the Black Stars, with Sudan topping the group with four points after playing a 1-1 drawn game against Lesotho in the other group fixture on Sunday.

It was an afternoon where the Black Stars failed to shine though they managed to hold their hosts for a greater part of the game.

Atsu looked to lead the recovery, bringing the ball confidently from midfield but the Zambians ensured that Jordan Ayew and Dominic Adiyiah did not find the back of the net.

The Black Stars finished the game off strongly but the Chipolopolo, defending deep in their half, managed to thwart the efforts of the West Africans.

The qualifiers take a break to return next year and the Black Stars will host Sudan at home on 23rd March.