The Black Satellites put one foot in the second round of the world cup after a deserved 3-2 victory over South American champions Argentina in a thrilling goals laden encounter.

The Satellites raced into a 3-0 lead by the middle of the second half, but a determined comeback by Argentina aided by loss of concentration from Ghana led to a crazy end to the game as they tried to grab the equaliser.

Ghana began the game the better of the two sides, creating some early first half chances. It was obvious the introduction of Clifford Aboagye had brought an improvement to their ability to recycle the ball and launch counter attacks.

The first 40 minutes was a Ghana attack fest, with Argentina getting in the occasional chance. Samuel Tetteh and Benjamin Tetteh all missed glaring opportunities, before the latter scored a few minutes before half time.

Clifford Aboagye picked the ball in the centre of the pitch, sent a through ball into the lanky forward whose shot on the turn looped the Argentine goalie.

Ghana went into the break ahead, but it was Argentina who returned all guns blazing. They created a few chances as they struggled for that equaliser, only for Ghana to hit them on the break.

Captain Clifford Aboagye peeled himself expertly off the shoulder of the last defender, and Stephen Tetteh sent him through after a lung bursting run on the counter. Aboagye took one touch and hit a low shot, which trickled into the bottom left corner beyond the Argentine goalie.

Yaw Yeboah added a third, scoring again from the spot after Samuel Tetteh was brought down. At that point the Satellites were enjoying themselves, creating several chances but looking a tad disinterested in scoring.

That momentary lapse was punished by Argentina, who scored twice to bring the score to 3-2. Now on the back foot, Ghana had to weather an onslaught in the five minutes of additional time, although again they created chances which they squandered nonchalantly.

In the end they grabbed the win, fully deserved but that loss of concentration at the end should bother Sellas Tetteh. The Satellites showed their true colours and exhibited why they would be a threat to any side at this tournament; but defensive issues need to be fixed if we’re to have a repeat of the bliss of 2009.

Ghana move joint top of the group, on four with Austria who beat Panama 2-1 in the other group game.