Zambia reach Ghana for World Cup qualifier

The Zambian national football team - the Chipolopolo - arrived here ahead of the crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Ghana's Black Stars Friday.

The Chipolopolo touched down at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) Thursday afternoon before boarding a domestic flight to Kumasi, 270 km north of the capital. The Zambians, who were scheduled to have made the journey to the west African country Wednesday, failed to do so due to a hiccup in their travel arrangements, reports Xinhua.

The Zambians have proven to be a bogey side for the Stars in recent times beating the four-time African champions on two occasions, first en route to winning the 2012 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), and then in the earlier group fixture played in Ndola, Zambia, last year.

The West Africans need a draw from Friday's game to advance to the last round of the qualifiers. The 10 teams that make it to the final phase will be paired up to play one another in a home-and-away encounter to decide the five teams that will represent Africa in the next FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year.

Ghana has scored the most goals among the 16 African teams involved in the World Cup qualifying series and are seeking a third successive World Cup appearance while Zambia chase their first.

Ghana and Zambia are placed 24th and 60th respectively in the FIFA rankings.