Ghana: Frustrated Black Stars Miss World Cup Chances Against Australia

Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana celebrates his goal against Australia.
19 June 2010
allAfrica.com
By Nick Said

Ghana were left frustrated at the end of their World Cup Group D clash on Saturday, managing only a 1-1 draw against the 10 men of Australia.

Australia took the lead through Brett Holman on 11 minutes, but Asamoah Gyan equalised from the penalty spot after Harry Kewell had handled on the line and been sent to the stands.

Ghana had all the possession after that, but despite creating a number of openings could not force a winner.

Nevertheless, the Black Stars now move to the top of the pool on four points, followed by Germany (three), Serbia (three) and Australia (one). Ghana will take on Germany in their final match on June 23.

Australia scored early when Richard Kingson in goal failed to hold onto a tame-looking free kick from Marco Bresciano and Holman turned home the rebound.

It was a disastrous start for the Black Stars, but they received a double boost on 23 minutes when Kewell used his arm to keep a shot from Jonathan Mensah out, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Kewell received his marching orders, leaving the Australians having to play for 67 minutes with 10 men, and Gyan netted his second penalty of the tournament.

He also moved alongside Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop into second place in the list of leading African scorers at the FIFA World Cup finals. He has scored three goals, still two behind Roger Milla of Cameroon.

Gyan, Andre Ayew and Prince Tagoe all had chances to put Ghana ahead before halftime, while Socceroos stopper Mark Schwarzer did well to turn a shot from Kevin-Price Boateng wide.

Schwarzer again saved well from Gyan at the start of the second half, and Australia substitute Scott Chipperfield headed over when he really should have scored from six yards.

Gyan then shot wide as chances mounted for the west Africans, but it was Australia who should have taken the lead. Joshua Kennedy was played into acres of space in the box with just Kingson to beat, but he dallied for a moment and the keeper was able to smother his shot.

The final clear-cut chance of the game fell to Mensah, who met a free kick on the edge of the six-yard box, but couldn't direct his header on goal when he too really should have hit the target.

There was still time for Quincy Owusu-Abeyie to test the reflexes of Schwarzer, but the Socceroos keeper was able to palm the ball over the bar.

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