Ghana beat US, reach first World Cup quarter-final

Ghana reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time by beating the United States 2-1 after extra time at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium here on Saturday.

Striker Asamoah Gyan scored the winning goal, his third of the tournament, in the third minute of extra time after shrugging off Carlos Bocanegra and lashing a half-volley over Tim Howard in the American goal.

Attacking midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng gave Ghana the lead after racing away from the US defence in the fifth minute before Landon Donovan drew the US level from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute.

Ghana are the last African side in the competition and will seek to become the first team from the continent to reach the World Cup semi-finals when they tackle Uruguay in the last eight at Soccer City in Johannesburg on July 2.