Pantsil pleased with progress

John Pantsil has been speaking about his satisfaction at helping Ghana take a huge step towards reaching the 2010 World Cup finals.

The right-back played his fourth game in as many weeks as the Black Stars achieved a 2-0 victory against Gabon on Sunday and that has left them top of African qualifying Group 5 and with every chance of making the second stage. Speaking to the Ghana FA's official website, Pantsil said: "We were ready to give everything and we went all out for victory. Gabon were fantastic but we were ready for the game."

Although Ghana are favourites to go through and indeed be one of the five African nations that will represent the continent along with the hosts in the South Africa finals in two years, Pantsil is keen to avoid over-confidence. "From now on, we have to maintain our discipline and play for a win every time we play. We want to qualify." The Black Stars did just with the 2006 finals in Germany, with Pantsil helping the nation to the second round before losing 3-0 to the might of Brazil.