In their second group-stage match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Black Stars faced Egypt and experienced a rollercoaster of events, ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw despite initially holding a lead.
The encounter saw Mohammed Kudus shine with a brilliant performance, netting two goals for Ghana. However, lapses in concentration and individual errors proved costly for the Black Stars, leading to them relinquishing their advantage and sharing points with the Pharaohs.
Ghana started the game with an aggressive approach, pressing the Egyptians, but struggled to break through their solid defense. Kudus had an early attempt from outside the box, easily dealt with by the opposing goalkeeper.
Throughout the first half, both teams created few scoring opportunities, with Egypt dominating possession. The dynamic of the match shifted when Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had to be substituted due to a suspected hamstring injury, forcing Ghana’s coach Rui Vitoria into a first-half change.
Shortly after Salah’s departure, Kudus seized the opportunity to make a significant impact. The West Ham United player received a well-timed pass from Salis Abdul Samed and skillfully maneuvered past his marker to score a sensational debut goal in the AFCON, giving Ghana the lead with a sublime curling shot.
In the second half, Egypt nearly clawed their way back into the game, but their goal from a setpiece was disallowed due to an offside decision. Ghana’s goalkeeper, Richard Ofori of Orlando Pirates, was then called into action, making a crucial save to deny the Egyptian side.
The Pharaohs eventually found the equalizer when Marmoush seized an opportunity created by a back pass from Inaki Williams. Marmoush rounded off the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net, leveling the score.
However, Ghana quickly responded, with Kudus showcasing his scoring prowess once again. This time, he received a well-timed pass from Denis Odoi and efficiently restored the Black Stars’ lead. Unfortunately, Ghana struggled to hold on to their advantage for the second time in the match.
Trezeguet made a decisive play by dispossessing substitute Osman Bukari and setting up a teammate for the equalizing goal, making it 2-2. Despite late attempts from both sides, neither team could secure a victory by the end of full time, and the match concluded with the points being shared.
With the drawn result, the Black Stars now face a crucial situation, relying on their upcoming match against Mozambique to secure qualification to the next round of the competition. The outcome of this final group-stage game will play a pivotal role in determining Ghana’s fate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.