AFCON 2023 Preview: Egypt vs Ghana
The seven-time AFCON champions Egypt take on the four-time champions Ghana. Both nations being the most successful teams historically in the tournament.
Matchday One in Group B is done and the foundations are set for a race to the knockout stages.
Here is what Group B looks like after Matchday 1:
All to play for in the second round of games, with a spot in the knockout rounds at stake.
After less than ideal starts, Egypt and Ghana will be chasing a win to ensure they stand a chance of qualifying to the next round, for both teams this is a must-win. Both nations have a lot of history with each other — Egypt beating the Black Stars 1–0 in the AFCON 2010 final; and Ghana recording the famous 6–1 home win over the Egyptians to book a place in the 2014 World Cup. The last time the two met was in a World Cup qualifier match in 2017 which ended in a 1–1 draw. The Pharaohs eventually qualified to the 2018 World Cup ahead of the Black Stars. Below are all their head-to-head encounters:
Egypt
Last AFCON’s finalists surprisingly dropped points against Mozambique in their group opener finishing 2–2. This was not the start the Pharaohs wanted as title contenders on the hunt for a record 8th title. They at least have a point on the board but with Cape Verde’s win which takes them to the top of the table, Egypt will have to win against Ghana in order to have a chance of topping the group. They are currently 2nd in the group and all that is needed is to avoid losing their remaining group games.
Ghana
The Black Stars lost 2–1 in their opening match to Cape Verde, a game they were expected to win. Ghana were without star player Mohammed Kudus who is recovering from a knock but will hope to have him fit in time for the remaining matches. They now sit rock bottom of the group with no points on the board and will look to get at least a point from Egypt in order to have a chance of qualifying to the knockout stages. It is looking like AFCON 2021 all over again with growing fears of another groupstage exit. The Black Stars are very much unfancied against Egypt; can they subvert our expectations and do the impossible?
Closing
Egypt are the much superior side both on the pitch and on paper — resilient, well-organised and well-coached. Ghana on the other hand look completely lost. I expect Egypt to win this one but with the number of upsets so far in this tournament, you never know what will happen. Ghana might have a chance if they correct their mistakes from the first game and keep their cool.
Predicted Lineups:
Egypt: Mohamed El-Shenawy — Mohamed Hany — Ahmed Hegazy — Mohamed Abdelmonem — Mohamed Hamdi — Zizo — Mohamed Elneny — Hamdi Fathi — Mohamed Salah — Mostafa Mohamed — Mahmoud Trézéguet
Ghana: Richard Ofori — Denis Odoi — Alexander Djiku — Mohammed Salisu — Gideon Mensah — Salid Abdul Samed — Majeed Ashimeru — Jordan Ayew — Inaki Williams— Joseph Paintsil — Antoine Semenyo
Predicted Score: 3–1 win for Egypt.
