The Black Satellites opened their world cup account with an unimpressive 1-1 draw against European minnows Austria in a rainy and very windy Wellington regional stadium.
Sellas Tetteh and his boys were hoping for a better start, especially with giants Argentina awaiting in the next group game, but they could barely contain a very lively Austria team, and would have lost but for a last minute penalty decision.
In torrid conditions in Wellington, with heavy rain and wind and freezing temperatures, it was obvious the Europeans were more suited to the weather than the Satellites. The first half was a very open encounter despite the conditions, and with both sides defending well long range efforts were the order of the day.
Ghana captain Joseph Owusu Bempah took the first hit, with Austria responding through captain Lukas Gugganig. The Europeans took over the tempo, creating several chances but unable to get through.