Both squads Balkan-led as Serbia takes on Ghana

Led by its third Serbian coach in eight years, Ghana should have a good handle on its Balkan adversary heading into their high-altitude World Cup match in Pretoria on Sunday.

Led by its third Serbian coach in eight years, Ghana should have a good handle on its Balkan adversary heading into their high-altitude World Cup match in Pretoria on Sunday.

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Serbia has no such connection to Ghana, but midfielder Dejan Stankovic says his team has done its homework.

"We've familiarized ourselves with Ghana ... We will be looking to exploit their weaknesses."

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac is taking on his compatriots without star Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, ruled out of the World Cup due to a long-term knee injury.

Essien's absence is a severe setback for the Black Stars, who were runners-up in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.