2024 Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt and Ghana Play to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw
Cairo, Egypt – January 18, 2024
In a pulsating encounter that showcased the best of African football, Egypt and Ghana played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D match at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday.
The match lived up to its billing as a clash between two of the continent’s footballing powerhouses, with both teams displaying attacking intent from the outset. Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, were looking to make a statement in their opening match, while Ghana, four-time winners of the tournament, were determined to start their campaign on a positive note.
The game got off to a lively start, with both teams creating chances in the early exchanges. Egypt came close to taking the lead in the 10th minute when Mohamed Salah’s shot from the edge of the box whistled just wide of the post. Ghana responded with a chance of their own five minutes later, but Andre Ayew’s header from a corner kick went over the bar.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute when Egypt’s Amr Warda produced a moment of magic. The winger picked up the ball on the left flank and drove towards the Ghana defense. He then unleashed a superb curling shot from outside the box that flew into the top corner of the net, giving the Pharaohs a 1-0 lead.
Ghana, however, showed great resilience and determination to fight back into the game. They equalized just before halftime when Jordan Ayew pounced on a loose ball in the Egypt penalty area and slotted it home to make it 1-1.
The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams trading blows and creating scoring opportunities. Egypt regained the lead in the 60th minute when Salah converted a penalty kick after Ghana defender Daniel Amartey was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
Ghana refused to give up and they were rewarded for their efforts in the 75th minute when substitute Osman Bukari scored a stunning goal to level the scores at 2-2. Bukari received the ball on the left wing and cut inside before unleashing a powerful shot that arrowed into the top corner of the net, leaving Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy with no chance.
The final 15 minutes of the match were played at a frantic pace, with both teams pushing for a winning goal. However, neither side could find the breakthrough and the match ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Match Highlights:
- Egypt took the lead in the 25th minute through Amr Warda’s stunning goal.
- Ghana equalized just before halftime when Jordan Ayew scored from close range.
- Egypt regained the lead in the 60th minute when Mohamed Salah converted a penalty kick.
- Ghana leveled the scores again in the 75th minute through Osman Bukari’s superb goal.
- The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams sharing the points.
Post-Match Reaction:
Egypt Head Coach Carlos Queiroz:
“I am proud of my players for their performance today. We showed great character to come back from a goal down and take the lead. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hold on to the advantage and conceded a late goal. But overall, I am satisfied with the point we earned.”
Ghana Head Coach Otto Addo:
“I am delighted with the fighting spirit of my team. We showed great resilience to come back from a goal down twice. We had a few chances to win the game in the end, but we couldn’t take them. However, I am confident that we can build on this performance and get better as the tournament progresses.”
Man of the Match:
Amr Warda (Egypt)
The Egyptian winger was a constant threat to the Ghana defense throughout the match. He created several chances for his teammates and scored a magnificent goal to give Egypt the lead.
Key Statistics:
- Possession: Egypt 52%, Ghana 48%
- Shots: Egypt 15, Ghana 12
- Shots on Target: Egypt 6, Ghana 5
- Corners: Egypt 5, Ghana 3
- Fouls: Egypt 14, Ghana 12
Upcoming Fixtures:
- Group D: Egypt vs. Sudan (January 22, 2024)
- Group D: Ghana vs. Nigeria (January 23, 2024)
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