Ghana’s journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues without a win, with a 2-2 draw against Egypt in their second game.
Despite the opportunity to lead Group B, the Black Stars faced setbacks due to defensive errors against the Pharaohs.
A moment of anticipation arose as Mohammed Kudus, having undergone a late fitness test, was included in the starting line-up, seemingly poised to secure all three points for Ghana.
⌚ FULL-TIME!
4 goals divided equally as Egypt and Ghana share the points in an intense contest. 😮💨#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #EGYGHA pic.twitter.com/JuyxkrdeEH
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2024
Despite an impressive double by the West Ham star, Egypt managed to mount a comeback twice from a goal down, securing a draw with goals from Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed.
Following a loss to Cape Verde in their opening game, Chris Hughton implemented three changes to the starting line-up against Egypt. Kudus, Inaki Williams, and Abdul Salis Samed stepped in for Baba Iddrisu, Joseph Paintsil, and Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer.
The goalkeeping duties remained in the capable hands of Richard Ofori, supported by the defensive quartet of Denis Odoi, Gideon Mensah, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku. Salis Samed reclaimed the defensive midfield position, and Majeed Ashimeru resumed his role as the dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus named MOTM ⭐
Well played@KudusMohammedGH
👏🏾🎉#BlinkscoopSports #AFCONonBlinkscoop #AFCON2023 #EGYGHA pic.twitter.com/JMl3rbU9In— Blinkscoop Official (@Blinkscoop1) January 19, 2024
In the offensive lineup, Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew took the flanks, while Kudus played just behind the main striker, Antoine Semenyo.
Ghana displayed a strong start to the game, dominating most of the 50/50 balls, although opportunities were scarce for both teams. The match gained momentum late in the first half when Kudus scored from a remarkable long-range strike, seizing the moment shortly after Mohamed Salah exited the field for Egypt.
Receiving a pass from Salis Samed at the edge of the box, the West Ham star skillfully created space by shifting the ball to his left and unleashed a powerful shot into the net, granting Ghana a narrow lead at halftime. However, Egypt leveled the score after the break when Marmoush capitalized on a poor back pass by Williams.
In a swift response, the Black Stars regained the lead two minutes later, with Kudus securing his second goal of the night through a curling effort that found the net with a slight deflection.
A final twist unfolded as the Pharaohs equalized once more, with Mohamed capitalizing on another defensive mistake, this time by substitute Osman Bukari.
The outcome places Ghana at the bottom of Group B after two matches, emphasizing the need for a victory against Mozambique in their final group game to secure advancement to the round of 16.
