Written by Mark Gleeson | From Reuters

Contrasting fortunes for Africa’s World Cup representatives in their midweek internationals still leave up in the air the chances of the continent producing credible performances in the finals later this year.

Algeria were the only one of the five Brazil-bound teams to win on Wednesday but Ivory Coast came from 2-0 down to hold highly fancied Belgium away while Nigeria drew with Mexico in the United States.

But Ghana, despite dominating their match, lost to tiny Montenegro and Cameroon were at the end of a savage second half pasting from Portugal.

African football, seeking larger representation in future World Cup finals, is becoming increasingly obsessed with being able to deliver strong performances in Brazil, especially after the 2010 finals in South Africa where only one of six teams made it past the opening round.

Ghana advanced to the quarter-finals four years ago to match the previous African best and hold the best hopes for going a step further in Brazil.

But their credentials will be re-examined after losing in Podgorica where they had only themselves to blame for a 1-0 defeat after conceding a first-minute penalty which striker Dejan Damjanovic converted.

The Ghanaians, in World Cup Group G alongside Germany, the U.S. and Portugal, were caught napping as Montenegro midfielder Branko Boskovic fed Filip Kasalica from the kick-off and the forward was fouled by centre back David Addy.

Ghana wasted several good chances thereafter while winger Christian Atsu, who caused his markers all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery, and Michael Essien had shots saved.

Read more at Reuters