Aggrey Fynn. Kwesi Appiah. Abedi Pele. Stephen Appiah. And now Asamoah Gyan.

For almost six decades, captain after Black Stars captain has led his troops to the nation's undisputed sanctuary for comfort and result.

Sometimes, they've not won their matches. But more importantly, the Black Stars have never lost a World Cup qualifier in Kumasi since 1960.  

And after a year and two months since last being there, the team returned to the Baba Yara Stadium for their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Comoros.

But even before kickof, it was still unknown what form of reaction the team will receive in Kumasi after their last Garden City outing against Uganda ended up being a chaotic affair.

But they needn't have worried too much.

The crowd was not great, but as is typical of the Baba Yara Stadium, the few who cared enough to show up made themselves very, very audible.

The result was an attritional 2-0 win. But in the end, the magic of Kumasi prevailed for the umpteenth time.

The Stars were held to a goalless draw in their first leg and the permutations were simple: win and qualify for the next round of the qualifiers.

Goals from Mubarak Wakaso and Jordan Ayew sealed the win. Coincidentally, both players have entered double figures for the Stars: Jordan, 10; Wakaso, 11.

It was Ghana that opened the scoring with a great goal in the 18th minute by Mubarak Wakaso after Comoros had given away a free kick. And in the second half Ghana continued to dominate and pressing hard for another goal.

Comoros saw themselves in a disadvantage as Omarh Mdahomba was shown a second yellow card which saw him walking to the stands.

In the 80 minute Ghana took full advantage as Jordan Ayew pulled a powerful low drive shot, but it was the wood work that denied him the full celebration.

Kumasi has seen many better games from the national team in 55 years, but it's doubtful many would care about the result much. After all, a win is a win, and Kumasi delivered the goods again.

MEANWHILE, Ghana's home record in World Cup qualifiers is still impressive, despite slight dents in 1997 and 2001.

 

Only Sierra Leone and Liberia (led by George Weah) have inflicted defeat to the Black Stars in Ghana since 1960. Sierra Leone won in Obuasi, while Liberia won in Accra.

Moral of the story? Whether it's been called the Kumasi Sports Stadium or, as it is now, the Baba Yara Stadium, that fortress is Ghana's sanctuary whenever they are in trouble.

And that's what makes the place Ghana's de facto home for the national teams.

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Gary Al-Smith is assisting Joy Sports editor. Follow on Twitter: @garyalsmith. Get more updates on Facebook/Twitter with the #JoySports hashtag