Haminu Dramani gave Ghana, who lost their group opener to Italy, the lead after he robbed Claudio Reyna but Clint Dempsey's first-time shot made it 1-1.

Stephen Appiah restored Ghana's lead from a controversial penalty - awarded against USA defender Oguchi Onyewu.

For the Black Stars, their drum-beating supporters inside the stadium and 20m at home, a controversial victory brought delight at emerging from a group that included European aristocrats Italy and the Czech Republic. Only Michael Essien will feel equivocal about the greatest day in his country's football history after receiving a yellow card that will keep him out of the next game.

For those wearing the Stars and Stripes there was only anger and a sense of grievance that will linger long after they have boarded today's flight home. Both Ghana's goals were touched by controversy - referee Markus Merk as he ignored claims for a foul on Claudio Reyna in the build-up to the first goal, then awarding a dubious penalty for the second.

Dramani's shuddering challenge caught Reyna in possession and the Ghana star made ground before curling his shot around keeper Kasey Keller's dive.

The USA's ponderous build-up play allowed Ghana time to get bodies behind the ball but when they took a more direct route it proved to be effective, with McBride rising to flick the ball on for Landon Donovan, who sliced his shot wide.

The Americans suffered a blow when playmaker Reyna limped off but they made light of it when they levelled just before half-time.

DaMarcus Beasley intercepted Derek Boateng's pass and curled a delicious cross into the path of Dempsey, who crashed home a first-time shot.

But referee Merk added one more twist to the first half, with a controversial penalty award.

He penalised Onyewu, who appeared to win a clean header as Pimpong collapsed dramatically, and then allowed Appiah to dispatch the spot-kick.

Donovan swung in a dangerous free-kick as the USA piled on the pressure at the start of the second half but Ghana showed their threat on the break and Keller had to claw away a powerful shot from Matthew Amoah.

For all their possession, the Americans showed little guile and wit to break down Ghana in a game that continued to be dominated by referee Merk's whistle.