Asamoah Gyan's late penalty earned Ghana a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they beat 10-man Serbia 1-0 in Pretoria.

The impressive Gyan, who also hit the post twice for Ghana, fired home from the spot in 84th minute after Zdravko Kuzmanovic had been adjudged to have handled a cross in the area.

That sealed a closely-fought Group D encounter and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase but Serbia, who were playing with a man less since the 74th minute following the dismissal of Aleksandar Lukovic, now have a mountain to climb as they face group favourites Germany in their next match.