World Cup quarterfinalist Ghana cruised to a 3-0 victory over Swaziland in qualifying for the 2012 African Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Goals from midfielder Andre Ayew, striker Prince Tapoe and defender Hans Adu-Sarpei secured the win at Somhlolo Stadium in Lobamba, near the Swazi capital Mbabane.
Ayew, son of former Ghana great Abedi Pele, hit the opener in the 13th minute. Hoffenheim's Tapoe doubled the advantage for heavily-favored Ghana in the 64th and Adu-Sarpei, who also plays in Germany for Schalke, headed in a third with 10 minutes to go.
Swaziland's King Mswati watched the game at the Somhlolo but his presence could not inspire the home team to a surprise victory.
''We were the better side,'' Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan said, ''(even though) the home team played and fought well.''
Ghana was without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who has taken a break from international football, and Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari for its first qualifying match for the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Coach Milovan Rajevac's side tops Group I on goal difference after Sudan beat Congo 2-0 in the group's opening fixture on Saturday.
