Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah is confident that Ghana will beat off competition from Zambia and Sudan in the second round of the qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Black Stars enjoyed a memorable last eight place at the 2010 World Cup after a debut round of 16 finish in 2006 and would be attempting a third consecutive appearance when they begin the campaign later in June.

Ghana have been handed familiar opponents in Group D of the African qualifiers which includes new African champions, Zambia, Sudan and Lesotho.

Asamoah, who made his World Cup debut in the previous tournament insists the Black Stars have quality to ensure progress from Group D.

"We have quality and capable players on our side and I believe our qualification will be very smooth and without any hiccups," Udinese's Asamoah said.

"Though I have alot of respect for our group opponent, we have what it takes and the pedigree to qualify."

Zambia have raised their pedigree in the continental game after winning the Nations Cup. And their title run-in included beating Ghana in the semi-final of the tournament in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea.

But Asamoah believes the Chipolopolo's will not be favourites ahead of the Black Stars in the second round stage of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

"Our best game in the tournament [2012 Africa Cup of Nations] was against Zambia but unfortunately that is the one we lost," he said.

"It was a sad moment but football is full of uncertainties. Losing to them in the semi-finals is not a yardstick for them to be favoured ahead of Ghana.

"We are still a force to reckon with and nothing has changed in the team. We will go all out for revenge," Asamoah added.

The qualifiers after the second round will enter into a third-round stage next year where 20 teams will be paired into five groups of four teams each with the top sides qualifying to Rio for the finals.