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Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign has been left in limbo after a disappointing draw with record holders Egypt in their group B encounter.
The four-time winners, despite taking the lead on two occasions, gave away their lead and allowed the Egyptians to level on those counts.
Ghana, who needed a win at all costs, having lost their opener against Cape Verde, opened the scoring courtesy of a Mohammed Kudus sublime 25-yard strike before halftime.
The Egyptians, back from recess, got back into the game with a 69th-minute equalizer from Omar Marmoush who pounced on an awful backpass by Inaki Williams, running past goalkeeper Richard Ofori to slot the ball into the net.
Two minutes later, Kudus doubled his tally on the night and gave Ghana a 2-1 lead in the 71st minute to send the Stade Felix Houphouet into a noisy atmosphere.
Egypt responded quickly after three minutes when Osman Buakri who had just come in as a substitute, dribbled the ball into his penalty area and got dispossessed by Trezeguet who cut the ball back for Mostafa Mohammed to tap in for their second goal.
The remaining 16 minutes of the match got off to a very lively ending for both sides but Chirs Hughton’s men sat back, invited pressure and hit their opponents on the break.
However, the Ghanaian team managed the threat of the Pharos fireworks upfront in Mostafa Mohammed, Mostafa Fathi, and Trezeguet as the game ended 2-2.
Ghana with a point after two games, now focuses on their last group game against a stubborn Mozambique side, who plays Cape Verde on Friday, January 19, 2024.
Egypt on the other hand, has two points in two matches and will play Cape Verde in its last game in quest for a knockout stage.
