Ghana goal hero Asamoah Gyan said his winning penalty in the 1-0 victory over Serbia was for the whole of Africa.

Gyan smashed home from the spot late on to ensure Ghana got their World Cup campaign off to the ideal start.

The Ghanaians were cheered on by thousands of fans from the host nation South Africa, and Gyan said the strike was not just for his fellow countrymen.

"Every African is behind us. I salute all you guys. We win this match for you," the striker said.

"This is all I have worked for and to be man of the match is fantastic."

Midfielder Stephen Appiah echoed Gyan's thoughts, adding: "This is the first time the World Cup is held in Africa, and all Africa is united."

606: DEBATE The win is the most important and the Ghanaians can look forward with hope as they prepare to meet Australia ErnestKabu

But Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac admitted he had mixed feelings after his side's momentous win.

The victory gives Ghana a glorious chance of progressing from group D.

But Rajevac was sorry to have left Serbia with a tough task to qualify from a daunting first phase which also includes Germany and Australia.

"Of course for me personally in my job this is a great victory but I'm sorry for the Serbian team," he said.

"I know many of their players and I could see how saddened they were but I tried to concentrate on my job and perform my duties in a professional manner.

"Maybe we got lucky, they're a very good team and it's difficult to play against them.

"I hope they get six points in their next two matches."

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