AFCON 2023: Why Egypt Will Be Black Stars’ Easiest Game, According to Former Ghana Coach

• Ghana and Egypt are both positioned in Group B of the upcoming AFCON
• The two sides have had several iconic matches and will meet next week
• An ex-Ghana boss feels Egypt will be Ghana's easiest group-stage fixture

Former Ghana boss, Otto Addo, thinks the Black Stars' Group B clash with Egypt will be their easiest clash in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The previous winners of the tournament are looking to end long title droughts in the competition in Cote d'Ivoire.

The two nations have a history. The most famous clash between them was a World Cup qualifier in 2013 when Ghana Ghana hammered Egypt 6-1 to effectively book their spot in the 2014 edition.

They also met in the 2010 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, with Egypt winning both clashes 1-0.

Their match on January 18 will be huge as it could determine the winner of Group B. Both sides will be looking to finish top of the group, which would help them avoid a tougher draw in the Round of 16.

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Cape Verde are considered a dark horse in the group, and some would argue this could probably be a more challenging game for both Egypt and Ghana.

Otto Addo on Ghana vs Egypt

Addo coached Ghana at the 2022 World Cup. He recently gave an interesting take on why Egypt will be the Black Stars' most straightforward game in Group B.

"I think the easiest game may be against Egypt because their team is very well-balanced," Addo said via Complete Sports.

"They are the favourites in this game, so it is easier to stand behind when people don’t expect too much from you."

Addo explained that it would be comfortable for Ghana to face a much more front-footed team like The Pharaohs.

"It is easier than to play the so-called small countries which are football educated, know how to defend, and it will be very, very tough to break them down."

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Facing a team ranked way below them, like Mozambique, will be tough. Ghana were stunned by Comoros in the last tournament, which sealed an embarrassing exit from the competition at the group stage.

AFCON 2023 Group B preview

Sports Brief also previously broke down AFCON 2023 Group B, which has Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.

Egypt have won the competition seven times while Ghana have won it four times, with the Black Stars' last triumph back in 1982.

Most of Cape Verde's players are based in some of Europe's best leagues, while Mozambique will be seeking upsets in Cote d'Ivoire.