‘We lost focus and didn't take our chances’

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has put his side’s opening 2-1 defeat to USA down to momentary loss of concentration.

The Black Stars conceded the first goal under one minute when US captain Clint Dempsey cut through the defence and slotted in beautifully.

But the 2010 quarter-finalists staged a strong comeback to level the scoring on 84minutes through Andre Ayew.

“What I can say is that it was a very tough game. Playing at this level, many little mistakes can cost you dearly,” Appiah said.

“We created a lot of chances but unfortunately we didn’t make use of our chances and the USA make.”

Ghana are facing early elimination and must be at the optimum best to stop a vintage Germany side, who massacred Portugal 4-0 early on Monday.