Slovenia 2-0 Ghana

A free-kick from Benfica star Zlatko Zahovic and a rare goal by Dzoni Novak ensured Slovenia's World Cup build-up continued on the right track at Za Bezigradom stadium, Ljubljana, on Friday night.

The home side started without skipper Ales Ceh (rested) and Milan Osterc, while Ghana missed Bayern Munich defender Samuel Kuffour and Otto Addo.

Slovenia produced some fine attacking football in the first half and had the first chance in the tenth minute when Zahovic's free-kick was headed wide by Pavlin. The best Ghana opportunity followed when Michael Essien found himself unmarked at the far post from a corner. He headed the ball into the ground but it bounced just wide of the post.

Zahovic, who has a record of scoring a goal in every second match, curled home a free-kick after 25 minutes which left the goalkeeper Richard Kingston wrong-footed. The same player had another great chance when he was unmarked in the box, but could only head over after a fine cross from Amir Karic, named skipper in the absence of Ceh.

Just before the break came the best move of the game. Sasa Gajser gave the ball to Sebastjan Cimerotic, who dribbled past a defender and made a defence-splitting pass for Dzoni Novak, who finished through the legs of the keeper. It was only Novak's third goal in 68 appearances for his country and the first for five years

Before the break Ghana were restricted to shots from distance which failed to trouble Marko Simeunovic.

But in the second half Daniel Edusei and Peter Ofori Quaye were denied by Simeunovic.

Slovenia had several chances to increase their lead, but Milan Osterc and Milenko Acimovic failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Ghana: Richard Kingston, Kofi Amponsah, Gyan Baffour, John Mensah (Abdul Karim, 83rd) Michael Essien (Razak Ibrahim, 64th), Stephen Appiah, Muntari Sulley (Issah Rahman, 68th), George Blay, Daniel Edusei, Peter Ofori Quaye, Derick Boateng (John Pantsil, 80th).