Accra, Oct 16 (IANS): Ghana's quest to make a third straight World Cup appearance in Brazil next year was given a huge boost following an emphatic 6-1 mauling of Egypt in the first-leg play-off of the qualifiers in Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city.

In front of over 40,000 fans at the Baba Yara sport stadium in Ghana's second largest commercial city Tuesday, the Black Stars announced their determination for a World Cup berth as early as the first minute when skipper Asamoah Gyan's feeble shot failed to beat shot-stopper Sherif Elkrami of Egypt, reports Xinhua.

Gyan made amends just after four minutes with a solo drive that hit the lower drawer of the post to put Ghana in the lead.

Chelsea's Michael Essien made it two for Ghana in the 22nd minute when he dribbled past two markers into the Egyptian box before Goma, in an attempt to save the situation, directed the ball into net.

Egypt pulled one back through Mohammed Aboutreka's penalty after Black Stars defender Rashid Sumaila brought down Mohammed Sallah in the 39th minute.

Three minutes later, the Black Stars reacted when Waris restored Ghana's two-goal lead to end the half 3-1.

Three second-half goals from Gyan, Sulley Ali Muntari and substitute Christian Atsu ensured Ghana wrapped up the first leg play off at home.

This is Ghana's biggest win against Egypt and the west African nation's second biggest in the second round stage of World Cup qualifying campaign after defeating Lesotho 7-0 in Kumasi in June last year.

The aggregate winner after the second leg, which will be played in Cairo Nov 19, will qualify to the finals in Brazil.