Pantsil helps Ghana to victory

John Pantsil featured again for Ghana on Sunday as they made it two wins from two on the road to the 2010 World Cup.

The finals will be played in South Africa and that is where the Black Stars were in action as ran out 3-2 winners against Lesotho in Bloemfontein. The visitors were cruising after an early goal from Laryea Kingston was followed by two from striker Junior Agogo double. However, Sello Muso and Lesotho captain Lehlohonolo Seema ensured a tense finish with a quickfire double.

Pantsil also played the full 90 minutes last week as Ghana began their Group 5 qualifiers in the African zone with a 1-0 home win against Libya. The West Ham United right-back has two more matches before beginning his summer holidays - away and home against Gabon on 14 and 22 June respectively. This stage of qualifying will conclude in October.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Australia lost 1-0 away to Iraq in Dubai. The Socceroos were without Lucas Neill as they will be when they go to Qatar on Saturday for the next step in their Asian zone qualifiers for the World Cup. Both countries have seven points at the top of Group 1 after four games. Australia, with captain Neill back in contention, finish off the section at home to China in Sydney on 22 July. The top two teams in the group will progress to the next qualifying phase. Neill has remained in England after becoming a father of twins last week.