The Black Stars lost their opening world cup group G game 2-1 to the United States as they failed to become third time lucky.
The USA took an early lead, but Ayew pulled Ghana level late in the second half, before the lead was restored by a powerful John Brooks header from a corner in the 86th minute.
This opening group game of the ‘underdogs’ meant a win was crucial as the subsequent games were guaranteed to be much tougher than this one.
And it was the USA who earned the bragging rights, beating the Black Stars for the first time in three attempts, collecting all three points and joining Germany joint top of the group.
Skipper Clint Dempsey gave the U.S an early lead, scoring within 43 seconds of kick-off with a side-footed effort past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey.
The early goal, coming before the Stars had even had the chance to settle into the game, shook the entire team who seemed completely out of sorts within the first 15 minutes of the game.
The Black Stars however, gradually wrestled control of the game from their opponents, but a combination of lethargic front-line play and brilliant goalkeeping by Tim Howard kept the USA in the lead till half time.
Coach Kwesi Appiah maintained the bulk of his starting line-up from the Stars last friendly win against South Korea, with Christian Atsu stepping in instead of Kevin Prince Boateng and Daniel Opare slotting in at right back. This meant Kwadwo Asamoah remained at left back, with the Ayew brothers and Atsu supporting Gyan in attack.
The game had barely begun when Clint Dempsey gave the US team the lead. After winning the ball after some scrappy play, he nimbly skipped the challenge of John Boye, then slotted the ball coolly into the Ghanaian net with Kwarasey soundly beaten.