Group B remains wide open at the under-20 World Cup after Ghana and Austria fought to a 1-1 draw in Wellington tonight.
Given fellow Group B sides Argentina and Panama battled to a 2-2 draw at the same venue earlier in the day, the remaining pool matches will hold noted significance for each side.
Ghana, the only African world champions at under-20 level after they claimed the title in 2009, were anything but at home in the cool Wellington climes.
Both goalkeepers were required to make diving saves during the opening 20 minutes and their bright garb provided some vibrancy in a dreary opening half.
It wasn't due to a lack of effort but the sweeping winds and driving rain didn't inspire free-flowing football.
Austria proved a technically-proficient outfit and they were rewarded for their toil in the 50th minute when Bernd Gschweidl finished from a tight angle with his left foot.
That strike didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Ghanaian fans who continued to play their drums in the stands in a bid to lift their side.
Ghana nearly found their way back in to the game after a goalmouth scramble following a free kick mid-way through the second spell but Austrian goalkeeper Tino Casali got a hand to the ball to clear it off the line.
Their goal eventually came in dramatic circumstances after Yaw Yeboah was fouled in box and he converted the spot kick in the dying minutes as Ghana salvaged a draw.
Austria 1 (Bernd Gschweidl 50) Ghana 1 (Yaw Yeboah 90 pen) halftime 0-0
- by Daniel Richardson of NZME. News Service
