Harry Kewell led the Australian attack against Ghana as one of four changes to the team beaten by Germany. But he was given a red card in the 24th minute after he blocked a shot from Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah at the goal line with his upper arm.
Asamoah Gyan converted the penalty kick in the 25th minute for his second goal of the tournament, both from the penalty spot.
Ghana nearly went ahead two minutes later when Prince Tagoe’s close-range shot carried just wide, and again just before halftime. Forward Kevin-Prince Boateng made a speedy run down the right wing and fired his shot toward the far post. Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer made a magnificent diving save.
Ghana tops Group D with four points, followed by Serbia and Germany with three each, Australia with one.
The Black Stars continually broke through Australia’s defence and threatened to score, but could not finish. The 10-man Aussies also attacked and came close to a winner several times.
Ghana are now topping their group with four points from two matches, leaving Germany, Serbia and Australia in second, third and fourth positions respectively.
Against Germany, who are still licking the injury inflicted on them by Serbia, Ghana will have to play better than they did in their two matches, if they want to avoid being thrown out of the Mundia. A draw in the match against the German machine on Wednesday will be enough to send the Black Stars to the second round.
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