In a match that was punctuated by defensive solidarity, it was a lapse inside the penalty box that ensured a 1-0 win for Ghana over Serbia in their World Cup Group C opener at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium here on Sunday.
In the 83rd minute off a floated cross from the left-flank, Serbian Zdravko Kuzmanovic left his hands hanging in the air and the ball deflected off his palm. Argentine referee Hector Baldassi showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and awarded the Africans a penalty. Striker Asamoah Gyan made no mistake as he coolly slotted the ball past Serbia net-minder Vladimir Stojkovic, firing the ball straight down the middle as the goalkeeper dived to his left.
Gyan had another chance in stoppage time but his effort from the left edge of the penalty box rattled the woodwork and bounced to safety.
The first-half was devoid of much action as neither team showed the imagination or penetration to breach the other’s backline. The most telling stat of the first-half was the shots on target — just one.
Serbia skipper Dejan Stankovic was on target in the 39th minute with a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty box but he shot straight at Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson, who collected the ball after an initial fumble.
The second-half started much like the first, as both teams failed to deliver the goods in the final third.
Ghana created their first decent chance on the hour mark as Gyan outjumped his marker off a long throw-in by John Paintsil, but his effort flashed past the Serbian goalpost.
Serbia had a great opportunity to go ahead in the 79th minute, as Danko Lazovic showed nimble feet to keep a couple of Ghana defenders at bay and then cutback the ball towards the penalty box from the left-flank. Marko Pantelic deftly backheeled the ball on to Nenad Milijas but his left-footed pile driver was hit straight at the goalkeeper.