The Black Stars of Ghana cruised to a convincing 2-0 victory against South Africa in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers  at the Cape Coast stadium on Thursday night.

A goal from either half by Thomas Partey and debutant Kudus Mohammed ensured the four time champions began their Group C campaign on a winning note.

Kwesi Appiah’s side dominated the opening exchanges with some brilliant inter-play especially in midfield.

But the first meaningful opportunity in the game fell to South Africa’s Furnman on the 16th minute mark, he shot from inside the box flew wide to the relief of Richard Ofori.

Just when the visitors were starting to get in tune with the rhythm of the game, Thomas Partey stepped up in 35th minute to score a belted from 25 yards to give the Black Stars the lead.

The South Africans kept probing for the leveler but a resolute Ghana defense ensured they took their 1-0 advantage into the break.

Ghan started the second half exactly how they did in the first, on the front foot.

Emmanuel Boateng came close to doubling their lead twice inside the opening 5 minutes only to be denied by crucial last ditch challenges on both occasions.

Jordan was next to try his luck but his curling effort flew just wide of the left post.

Coach Kwesi Appiah threw on Kudus Mohammed for Alfred Duncan on the hour mark and that substitution proved to be a tactical masterstroke.

The home side asserted their dominance from then on and Kudus repaid his manager’s faith by scoring a wonderful solo goal to make it 2-0.

It was all about game management for Black Stars as they passed the ball about to see off the match with relatively.

The only blemish of the night was the injury to Iddrisu Baba who was forced after a collision in the dying embers of match.

The Black Stars will travel to face São Tomé in their second group C match on Monday.