Magic number: A clearly delighted Gyan celebrates his late winnerGhana became the first African team to win at the World Cup yesterday, seeing off Serbia.
The Black Stars snatched the win through a Asamoah Gyan penalty with six minutes remaining after Serbia substitute Zdravko Kuzmanovic handled.
'This is all I have worked for,' said Gyan. 'Every African is behind us. I salute all you guys. We won this match for you.'
Ghana captain Stephen Appiah added: 'All Africa is united.'
Ironically, Ghana's victory was orchestrated by a Serbian in manager Milovan Rajevac.
He responded to the pretournament losses of Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari by sending out a team that looked strong across the pitch - a reminder to England that should they collide in the last 16, it will not be a pushover.
Spot on: Gyan keeps his cool to score from the spot for GhanaMuch of the Ghana threat comes from Gyan who, in addition to hitting the winner, twice struck the post.
He was also involved when Serbia's Aleksandar Lukovic was sent off in the 73rd minute, the defender collecting a second yellow card for manhandling Gyan.
Prince Tagoe also looked destructive on the right. The tiny winger, in the mould of Aaron Lennon, repeatedly skipped past Serbia left back Aleksandar Kolarov.
One cross early in the second half floated over Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic and Gyan should have done better than to head wide.
Off day: Lukovic (left) becomes the third player to be sent off as referee Baldassi produces the redKeeper Richard Kingson, who was released by Wigan at the end of last season, then reacted well to deny Milos Krasic a late equaliser.
Serbia had their own chances, but lacked a ruthless edge. They could have gone ahead in the 58th minute but Birmingham City striker Nikola Zigic volleyed across goal when unmarked at the far post.
Royal opportunity: Kevin-Prince Boateng can't hit the target for GhanaSerbia coach Radomir Antic said: 'For sure, this is a big blow for us. To start a World Cup with a defeat is a bad thing.
'I wouldn't say we got scared. Of course the fact that Lukovic got removed from the game was a tough measure. This of course had an influence on the final result.'
Ghana coach Rajevac said: 'Perhaps we got more lucky than them.'
SERBIA (4-4-2): Stojkovic 6; Ivanovic 6, Vidic 5, Lukovic 4, Kolarov 6; Krasic 6, Stankovic 6, Milijas 6 (Kuzmanovic 62min, 4), Jovanovic (Subotic 76); Zigic 6 (Lazovic 69, 7), Pantelic 7. Booked: Lukovic, Kuzmanovic, Zigic. Sent off: Lukovic.
GHANA (4-4-2): Kingson 7; Pantsil 6, Mensah 8, Vorsah 7, Sarpei 6; Tagoe 8, Annan 7, Boateng 7 (Addy 90), Ayew 7; Asamoah 7 (Appiah 73, 6), Gyan 7 (Owusu-Abeyie 90). Booked: Vorsah, Tagoe.
Man of match: Prince Tagoe (Ghana).
Referee: H Baldassi (Argentina).
source: dailymail
