INQUIRER Sports

JOHANNESBURG - World Cup organizers Monday praised Ghana for becoming the first African country to qualify for the games in South Africa next year, after defeating Sudan 2-0.

As the host nation, South Africa automatically qualifies to compete in the World Cup, but Ghana on Sunday became the first African nation to win a spot through the qualifying matches.

"I am overjoyed that one of the continent's greatest teams will be playing in Africa's first FIFA World Cup," Danny Jordaan, head of the local organizing committee, said in a statement.

"A long-standing symbol of hope on the continent, Ghana is sure to win many fans in South Africa. We hope that they will go far in the tournament and do Africa proud."

Ghana first qualified for the World Cup in 2006, when they made it through to the second round.