Australia and Ghana 1-1 at halftime in World Cup Group D game in Rustenburg

Australia and Ghana 1-1 at halftime in Group D

RUSTENBURG, South Africa — Ghana and 10-man Australia are tied at 1-1 at halftime of their Group D match at the World Cup.

Asamoah Gyan scored Ghana’s equalizer from the penalty spot in the 25th minute after Harry Kewell was sent off for blocking Jonathan Mensah’s shot on the goal line with his upper arm. Gyan’s penalty was his second in the tournament.

Kewell was playing his first game of this World Cup after being left out of a 4-0 opening loss to Germany.

Brett Holman put Australia ahead from close range in the 11th minute after Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson bobbled a free kick by Mark Bresciano.

Kevin-Prince Boateng had a chance to put Ghana ahead just before the break, but his shot was saved by a diving keeper Mark Schwarzer.