2024 Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt and Ghana Play to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw

In a pulsating encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Egypt and Ghana played out a 2-2 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Thursday, January 18, 2024. The match lived up to its billing as a heavyweight contest between two of Africa’s footballing giants, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience in defense.

Egypt’s Bright Start and Ghana’s Resolute Response

Egypt, the hosts and seven-time AFCON champions, started the game brightly, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Their attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Trezeguet, and Mostafa Mohamed looked sharp and posed a constant threat to the Ghanaian defense.

In the 15th minute, Salah came close to giving Egypt the lead when he cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful shot that whistled just wide of the post. Trezeguet also had a good opportunity moments later, but his header from a corner kick went straight at Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.

Ghana, however, gradually grew into the game and started to create their own chances. Their talisman, Thomas Partey, was at the heart of their midfield, dictating the tempo and spraying passes to his teammates.

In the 30th minute, Partey’s inch-perfect through ball found Andre Ayew in behind the Egyptian defense. Ayew took a touch to steady himself before firing a low shot past Mohamed El Shenawy in the Egypt goal to give Ghana a shock lead.

Egypt’s Comeback and Ghana’s Resilience

Egypt responded well to going behind and pressed forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded just before halftime when Trezeguet produced a moment of magic.

The winger received the ball on the left side of the area and skillfully dribbled past two Ghanaian defenders before unleashing a curling shot into the far corner of the net. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and gave Egypt a much-needed boost.

After the break, Egypt continued to press for a winner, but Ghana defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Ayew had a great chance to restore Ghana’s lead in the 60th minute, but his header from a corner kick went just over the crossbar.

Egypt eventually found their winner in the 75th minute through substitute Ahmed Sayed. The forward, who had just come on for Trezeguet, latched onto a long ball from El Shenawy and calmly slotted it past Ati-Zigi to send the Egyptian fans into delirium.

Ghana’s Late Equalizer and Match Highlights

However, Ghana showed great character and refused to give up. They threw men forward in search of an equalizer, and their efforts were rewarded in the dying minutes of the game.

In the 89th minute, substitute Osman Bukari rose highest to head home a corner kick and snatch a dramatic equalizer for Ghana. The goal silenced the Cairo crowd and ensured that the spoils were shared in this enthralling encounter.

The match was a testament to the attacking quality and resilience of both teams. Egypt and Ghana showed why they are considered among the favorites for the AFCON title, and their fans can be proud of their performances in this pulsating draw.

Match Highlights:

• 15th minute: Mohamed Salah cuts inside from the right flank and unleashes a powerful shot that whistles just wide of the post.
• 30th minute: Andre Ayew gives Ghana the lead with a low shot past Mohamed El Shenawy after being played through by Thomas Partey.
• 44th minute: Mahmoud Trezeguet equalizes for Egypt with a curling shot into the far corner of the net.
• 60th minute: Andre Ayew has a great chance to restore Ghana’s lead with a header, but his effort goes just over the crossbar.
• 75th minute: Substitute Ahmed Sayed gives Egypt the lead with a calm finish after latching onto a long ball from El Shenawy.
• 89th minute: Substitute Osman Bukari heads home a corner kick to earn Ghana a dramatic equalizer.

Full-Time Score: Egypt 2-2 Ghana