Ghana and Egypt battled to a 2-2 draw in a highly anticipated match that showcased the prowess of both teams. The contest, held at the iconic Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, unfolded with intense moments and captivating gameplay, leaving spectators with a memorable football spectacle.
Ghana’s lineup featured Richard Ofori, Denis Odoi, Salisu Mohammed, Salis Abdul Samed (substituted by Joseph Paintsil in the 88th minute), Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, and Majeed Ashimeru (substituted by Idrisu Baba in the 62nd minute). Furthermore, Moammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams (replaced by Osman Bukari in the 72nd minute and Elisha Owusu in the 88th minute), and Antoine Semenyo completed the roster.
Star-boy KUDUS is Man of the Match 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) January 18, 2024
Egypt 🇪🇬 2 – 2 Ghana 🇬🇭 #UTVSports pic.twitter.com/5FKB7BRrRm
Mohamed El-Shennawy, Omar Kamal, Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, Ahmed Hegazi, Mohamed Hamdi, Hamdi Fathi, and Mohamed Elneny (replaced by Mahmoud Trezeguet in the 68th minute) were among the players in Egypt’s lineup. Additionally, Emam Ashour, Omar Marmoush (substituted by Marwan Attia in the 89th minute), Mohamed Salah (substituted by Mostafa Fathy in the 45th minute), and Mostafa Mohamed also formed part of the team.
The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute when Ghana’s dynamic midfielder, Mohammed Kudus, seized the opportunity to display his goal-scoring abilities. With a precision strike from outside the box, Kudus found the back of the net, putting Ghana in an early lead. The goal sent waves of excitement through the Ghanaian supporters in the stadium.
However, Egypt, known for their resilience, quickly responded. In the 28th minute, the Pharaohs intensified their offensive efforts, demonstrating impressive ball possession and strategic plays. The breakthrough came when Omar Marmoush skillfully intercepted the ball in the box, rounding the goalkeeper with finesse to score into the empty net. The equalizer at the 28th minute rejuvenated the Egyptian side and set the stage for a closely contested battle.
The match concluded at 90+7.
During the 90+6 minute, Ashour made a goal attempt, but the keeper made a crucial save.
Semenyo skillfully dribbled into the area in the 90+4 minute, but the keeper thwarted his low cross.
At 90+2, Trezeguet and Mostafa exchanged passes, but the danger was cleared before the latter could score.
In the 89th minute, Marwan Attia came on as a substitute for Marmoush.
Marmoush had another goal attempt in the 88th minute, but it missed the target.
Ashour penetrated the area in the 84th minute but lost possession after colliding with an opponent.
By the 78th minute, Egypt intensified their offensive efforts in pursuit of a winning goal.
At the 74th minute, Mostafa Mohamed beat the keeper from close range, showcasing a beautiful solo effort initiated by Trezeguet. It’s a GOAL for Egypt!
Kudus added the second goal for Ghana in the 71st minute. It’s a Goal for Ghana.
In the 69th minute, Marmoush intercepted the ball in the box, rounded the keeper, and scored into the empty net. It’s a GOAL for Egypt!
At the 68th minute, Trezeguet replaced Elneny as Vitoria took more risks upfront.
In the 66th minute, Semenyo attempted a goal, but it landed safely in the hands of the keeper.
Marmoush cut inside and shot in the 65th minute, narrowly missing over the bar.
By the 62nd minute, Egypt exhibited an improved performance, appearing close to equalizing.
In the 58th minute, Marmoush unleashed a powerful shot, but the keeper deflected it into the corner.
A cross by Fathy in the 56th minute was held by the keeper before Mohamed could score.
In the 51st minute, Egypt scored a goal, but it was disallowed due to an offside decision.
At the 48th minute, Abdul Samad’s cross missed the target and went wide.
The second half commences at the 46th minute.
The first half concludes at 45+4.
In the 45+3 minute, Kudus fires from outside the box, securing the lead for Ghana. Ghana scores at 45+3.
At 45 minutes, a substitution occurs for Egypt as Mostafa Fathy replaces the injured Mohamed Salah.
Marmoush attempts a solo run in the 44th minute but loses his balance.
Ashour has an attempt on target in the 42nd minute, but it goes into the hands of the keeper.
Kamal delivers a cross at the 40th minute, but it goes out.
A free kick is awarded to Egypt in the 39th minute, but Marmoush’s cross is cleared wide.
Abdul Samad receives a yellow card in the 37th minute after a foul on Marmoush.
Ashour tries to dribble in the box in the 35th minute but loses possession.
In the 32nd minute, Hamdy sends a cross, but it lacks precision.
The game resumes at the 28th minute.
A cooling break is taken at the 26th minute due to very high humidity.
At the 23rd minute, Egypt dominates possession but struggles to find their way to the goal.
Marmoush dribbles in the area at the 18th minute but is dispossessed by the last defender.
Ghana is awarded a free kick in the 14th minute, and Marmoush heads the ball into the corner.
The game proves physical at the 8th minute, with many tough challenges.
Kudus has an attempt on goal in the 3rd minute, but it goes wide.
The match kicks off at 0 minutes.
Pre-match updates:
- Mohammed Kudus starts for Ghana after missing the previous game due to injury at 21:05.
- Vitoria makes three changes to the lineup at 20:45, introducing Omar Kamal, Emam Ashour, and Omar Marmoush instead of Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Zizo, and Mahmoud Trezeguet, respectively.
- The Pharaohs remain optimistic ahead of the anticipated game at 18:15, expressing confidence in returning home with the Cup despite their early setback.
- Reports suggest coach Vitoria will make some changes in his lineup, with at least one change in each line at 16:30.
- Ghana failed to win their last five games at the Africa Cup of Nations, marking their longest-ever winless run in the competition at 15:00.
- Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has a history of scoring against Ghana at AFCON at 14:00.
- Both teams find themselves in a tricky position, needing to win the match after Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Mozambique and Ghana’s 2-1 loss to Cape Verde at 13:00.
- It’s the fifth encounter between Egypt and Ghana at AFCON, with three group stage meetings and one final in 2010, which Egypt won 1-0 at 12:00.
- Venue: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
- Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
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