Two of the most successful nations in the continent go head to head in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations when Egypt take on Ghana at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday.
While both nations are favourites to make it out of the group on paper, a disappointing opening-day outing has put them under pressure to get the result here and we anticipate an action-packed contest.
With Sunday’s result, Egypt have gone six consecutive games without defeat across all competitions, claiming four wins and two draws since last September’s 3-1 friendly defeat against Tunisia, and will now look to avoid failing to win their opening two games at the AFCON finals for the first time in over three decades.
The Black Stars enjoyed a smooth qualifying campaign as they finished as one of just three unbeaten nations, claiming three wins and three draws to pick up 12 points and clinch top spot in Group E.
However, they would suffer an even worse fate than Egypt in their group curtain-raiser as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of rank outsiders Cape Verde on Sunday evening.
Chris Hughton‘s side also suffered defeat in their opening game in Cameroon two years ago, losing 1-0 against Morocco, before they were stunned 3-2 by debutant Comoros, which saw their campaign come to an end in the group stages.
While Ghana will now look to avoid three consecutive AFCON losses for the very first time, they have lost three of their last four games against Egypt
Salah should spearhead the Pharaohs’ attack once again, alongside Mohamed and Trabzonspor man Mahmoud Trezeguet, who made his 62nd international appearance at the weekend.
As for Ghana, they continue to sweat over the fitness of West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus, who was a notable absentee in their opening-day defeat.
Having both failed to win their opening game, Egypt and Ghana know that Thursday’s result is pivotal in their push for a place in the knockout stages.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
