A glancing header late in the second half by Bernard Parker ensured a crucial 2-1 victory for South Africa against the Black Stars of Ghana in an international friendly played in Blonfontein South Africa. In a match largely dominated by Bafana Bafana, it was Yaw Antwi who capitalised on an absolute howler from the South Africa goal keeper to get the stars ahead in the 38th minute. Within just a blink of an eye, Benedict McCarthy got the much needed equaliser with the easiest of taps, after the stars defence made up of Jonathan Quartey and John Boye were caught ball watching. The depleted, inexperienced Black Stars side were overawed by the star studded Bafana Bafana with some sublime play at least in the first half. Nimble footed Modese combined well with McCarthy and Chalala, drawing rings around the stars but created almost next to nothing. Arminu Dramani, showed some dexterity taking on the South African defence along the flanks and delivering some immaculate crosses, one of which was converted by Yaw Antwi. The stars lifted up their game in the second half with Kwodjo Poku and Agyemang Badu taking more responsibility and asserting themselves in the mid field. In one of his numerous onslaughts, Agyemang Badu meandered his way past three South African defence to set up Yaw Antwi who shot feebly into the waiting arms of the South African goal keeper. Just when the stars seemed to be on a cruise control, a perfect corner kick effected by Modese was connected for South African’s second goal. Aaron Mokoena missed the opportunity to increase the tally to three when he failed to convert a free header late in the game. The victory proved remarkable for a side which has shown a lackadaisical performance, with a first round exit in the 2008 Nations cup and elimination in the Nations cup qualifier to be played in Angola. They will however feature prominently in the 2008 world Cup by virtue of being the host nation. Story by Nathan Gadugah