GHANA could only draw 1-1 with Australia despite the Socceroos having Harry Kewell sent off in the 24th minute at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Off the back of a heavy 4-0 loss against Germany, Pim Verbeek’s men responded well against Ghana as they took an early lead via Brett Holman following a howler from goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

But the game swung back in Ghana’s favour 13 minutes later when Kewell was penalised for a handball on the goalline to allow Asamoah Gyan to score his second penalty of the World Cup.

However, despite boasting a numerical advantage, Ghana failed to claim their second win of Group D, meaning they and Australia can still reach the last 16 ahead of their final fixtures against Germany and Serbia respectively.

Ghana was forced into two changes by injuries to Captain John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah, with Lee Addy and 19-year-old defender Jonathan Mensah draughted in. Kewell was chosen to lead the Australia attack in one of four alterations by Coach Pim Verbeek to the side that lost 4-0 to Germany. David Carney, Mark Bresciano replaces and Holman were all given the nod.

After just two minutes, Australia had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away by referee Roberto Rossetti. Kewell darted into the box from the right channel and got beyond defender Lee Addy, whose legs tangled with the forward’s, forcing the pair to both hit the deck. But it was nothing doing from the official.

After a free kick in the 11th minute, Brett Holman was quick to pounce, firing the rebound back goalwards. Kingson got a hand to the effort but could not prevent the ball nestling home.

After two deflected pops from Ghana, all hell broke loose. A corner was eventually cut back to Jonathan Mensah, who lashed at goal. But his strike was blocked away by the arm of the on-the-goalline Kewell, who was subsequently dismissed for handball and preventing a certain goal. Gyan stepped up to convert his second penalty of the tournament.

But despite their numerical advantage, Ghana failed to impose themselves. Indeed, the first half dwindled towards a conclusion, until on 44 minutes Mark Schwarzer was forced to make a fine stop low down to his right following a driving shot by Kevin-Prince Boateng. But that was a rare foray by the Africans.

Ends