Ghana captain Stephen Appiah is confident the Black Stars will head to the 2010 World Cup finals full of confidence after clinching their place on Sunday.

The Black Stars beat Sudan 2-0 on Sunday in Accra to confirm their place at next summer’s showpiece even with two games to spare in Group D.

With qualification now in the bag, Appiah says Ghana will head to South Africa to make an impression but not just to make up the numbers.

"The days when you could happily say African teams cannot face the big boys of world football are over," he said.

"These days whoever teams from the continent play regardless of their pedigree they do so with a great deal of confidence and we showed that in Germany. There is no way we will go to South Africa fearing anyone."

The Ghana captain, who has had to deal with constant criticisms due to club future was touched by the reception accorded him on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium.

"It was touching especially after the difficulties of the last two years. To see a full stadium applaud as I left was special."