A second minute penalty condemned Ghana to a 1-0 defeat in a World Cup preparatory match against Montenegro.

Fatos Beqiraj coolly converted the penalty after an untimed tackle from David Addy in the vital area and the men from Montenegro held on despite several incursions from the Black Stars.

The Stars dominated for most part of a game that was punctuated with lots of fights and crunching tackles but failed to take their chances. It did not look like a friendly match, as the tackles, shoves, punches flew from all directions but the referee was lenient and did not show a red card even though a number of yellow cards were given.

It was Christian Atsu who was presented with a golden opportunity for the equaliser in the 7th minute but he criminally wasted the opportunity with a feeble shot.

Michael Essien's left foot shot from close range was parried to safety by the Montenegro goal keeper few minutes later.

Atsu's appeal for a penalty in the 20th minute was ignored as the Stars mounted pressure for the equaliser.

In the second half the Stars introduced fresh legs in Kevin Prince Boateng Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari and later Asamoah Gyan in a desperate search for the equaliser but it was Montenegro who had the opportunity to increase the tally but a clever chip whisked over the bar.

Kevin Prince Boateng had his shot from a goal mouth scramble cleared off the line before Ghana's Adam Kwarasey's last gasp clearance right in the middle of the park saved Ghana from what would have been a humiliating defeat.

1-0 it ended in favour of Montenegro, a result that will keep the Stars on their toes as they play in what pundits have described as the World Cup's group of death.

The Group has Germany, Portugal and USA.