Egypt vs Ghana tips and predictions: AFCON history will be made in a must-win match
- George Dempsey
- 17 January 2024
Egypt and Ghana face a must-win scenario on Thursday after failing to pick up three points from matchday one at the African Cup of Nations (2000 GMT).
Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty helped Egypt out of jail and to a point in their African Cup of Nations opener against Mozambique.
The Pharaohs dominated much of the play and created numerous shooting opportunities, but they lacked quality in the final third.
Ghana’s matchday didn’t go any better as they were beaten 2-1 by Cape Verde. Alexander Djiku drew them level in the second half but they were often second best.
Both results are shocking on paper, but very much in keeping with what we’ve seen at the tournament in previous editions and 2023.
It’s worth noting that Egypt hasn’t failed to win one of their first two group-stage matches at a major tournament since 1992.
Equally, Chris Hughton’s Ghana haven’t lost their opening two matches since 1984, so something has to give on Thursday evening.
However, the Black Stars failed to win any of their three group-stage matches at the last tournament. They’re winless in five AFCON matches and have only won one of their previous 10.
This current crop of Ghanaians isn’t short of heart, but they seem to lack the quality of the previous decade.
Egypt had conceded three goals in 11 AFCON matches before their 2-2 draw with Mozambique, so Ahmed Hegazi and co will be targetting a clean sheet.
Salah is always going to be the major goal threat. He’s scored in all of his previous meetings with Ghana and 43% of their goals at AFCON since 2010.
Team news
Hamdi Fathi will continue to anchor the midfield alongside Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny.
Omar Marmoush failed to make a significant impact when introduced for Trezeguet on matchday one so the latter could keep his spot.
Goalscorers Salah and Mostafa Mohamed will keep their place in their respective positions on the left wing and up top.
Ghana’s side is full of familiar faces to fans of European football, with Mohamed Salisu, Gideon Mensah and Denis Odoi at the back.
Jordan Ayew is likely to keep his place in attack and could be joined by his brother Andre Ayew on Thursday.
Joseph Paintsil has dazzled for Genk again this season while striker Antoine Semenyo is a regular for Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side.
