By Ameenu Shardow
Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah admits the early goal conceded against the USA played a major role in his teamââ¬â¢s defeat on Monday.
The Black Stars fell to a painful 2-1 defeat to the Yanks in their opening Group G game at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The four-time African champions had clawed their way back from a dreadful start which saw them concede in just the first minute to a Clint Dempsey strike.
Andre Ayew had given Ghana a massive lifeline with his equalizer in the 83rdà minute but the USA claimed victory with a strike from rookie John Brooks with just four minutes left to play.
Kwesi Appiah concedes his teamââ¬â¢s job was made a bit more difficult with the early concession.
ââ¬ÅThe early goal was something that we never expected,â⬠he said.
ââ¬ÅPlaying at this high level any loss in concentration can cost you big time.
ââ¬ÅThe first goal unsettled us and made things very difficult for us.ââ¬
Ghana have now tasted their first ever defeat against the USA in the World Cup.
The Black Stars will now have to get a result against Germany and then Portugal in order to progress from Group G.