The Black Stars of Ghana began their post World Cup friendly on a disappointing note losing to a determined South African side 1-0 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Kathlego Mphela put the Bafana Bafana ahead in the 41st minute to cap a great first half performance which saw the Stars chasing their shadows for most part. The Mamelodi Sundowns striker twice breached a non existent Stars defence but Richard Kingson pulled great saves to keep the Stars in the game. The Black Stars were nothing close to the side that took the world by storm in the World Cup and their hope to exorcise a painful defeat to Uruguay at the same venue was dashed. For the entire duration the closest the Stars came to scoring was a straight shot by Asamoah Gyan in the second half which was saved. The defence marshaled around Jonathan Mensah, Lee Addy, Samuel Inkoom and Harrison Afful was in total disarray; the midfield was totally emasculated which kept lone striker Asamoah Gyan gasping for supplies and support. The South Africans were impressive throughout and should have won by a higher margin. Mphela early in the 3rd minute came close to scoring but an agile Richard Kingson proved equal to the task. Then in the 14th minute Mphela had only Kingson to beat but his shot hit the head of Kingson and went wide. In the 41st minute Kathlego Mpela timed his ran and was put through with a great pass and he made no mistake this time. Even though the Stars lifted up their game considerably in the second half, they created next to nothing. 1-0 it ended, a results favorable for new South African coach Pitso Mosimane Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana