Australia, Ghana play out controversial draw

Australian forward Harry Kewell was controversially sent off midway through the first half but Australia managed to cling on to a 1-1 draw with Ghana Saturday in a result that put the Africans top of Group D.

The Australians led as early as the 11th minute when Brett Holman profited from an error by Ghanaian keeper Richard Kingson who spilt a shot from Mark Bresciano, allowing Holman to net the rebound.

But 13 minutes later Kewell was sent off for handling the ball on the line and Asamoah Gyan equalised from the resulting penalty. The Australians vehemently protested that the ball had struck Kewell's upper arm and that it was not deliberate.

Ghana lead the group with four points from Germany and Serbia on three and Australia on one before the final group games.