AFCON 2023: Egypt, Ghana Share the Spoils in Thrilling Encounter (Live Updates)

Both Egypt and Ghana remain at risk of an early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations following their intense 2-2 draw in a crucial group-stage clash.

The Black Stars need a victory in their final group match against Mozambique to steer clear of a second consecutive group-stage exit.

Meanwhile, Egypt also face a challenging task in their last match against Cape Verde to secure advancement.

Kudus with the brace, while Salah deals with an injury. Both teams are at risk of an early elimination!

90+2' An additional seven minutes are added! Ghana is enjoying a more dominant phase in the Egypt half, striving to create one final opportunity.

89' Bukari is substituted for Ghana, even though he entered the game just around 15 minutes ago. A disastrous cameo, as he was responsible for the second Egypt goal.

86' Trezeguet sets up for a long-range shot, which gets blocked. The ball returns to him, and as he attempts to advance into the box, he is surrounded and crowded out.

83' Salis is down, and he's being placed onto a stretcher - it's safe to say his night has come to an end.

80' It seems the cooling break has calmed things down a bit. But Egypt still look dangerous on the ball

75' GOAL for Egypt. Trezeguet showcases excellence in the build-up, dispossessing Bukari in the box. He passes it to Mohamed, who makes a connection and finds the back of the net.

71' GOAL. Mohammed Kudus again! Ghana swiftly counters, with Odoi delivering a pass to Kudus. His shot takes a deflection, finding the far corner of the net.

68' GOAL. Egypt are on level. Williams makes a dreadful back pass, and Marmoush seizes the opportunity, rounding the goalkeeper and calmly finishing into an empty net.

65' After over an hour, the game is finally starting to unfold and become more dynamic.

61' The ball is cut back towards Fathi, bodies flying in all directions in Ghana's box, but the Black Stars manage to scramble it away.

56' Marmoush constantly moves inside, seeking space for a right-footed shot. As the opportunity appears lost, he takes a powerful strike from a tight angle, only to be tipped over.

52' OFFSIDE. Egypt puts the ball into the net, but the goal won't be counted.

50' Semenyo puts in a commendable effort on the flank, earning Ghana a corner. Ayew will be the one to take it.

47' Kudus surges forward after beating his marker with ease, only to be fouled and brought down.

SECOND HALF 46' We're back underway. Ghana get the second half up and running.

What a strike, Kudus!

The first display of excellence in the entire match resulted in the opening goal. Kudus was truly exceptional.

Following a somewhat uneventful 45 minutes, the match suddenly sprung to life. Salah has exited the field for Egypt with a limp, leaving uncertainty about the severity of his injury blow.

Meanwhile, Kudus made a remarkable comeback to the team, capping it off with a splendid strike.

45+3' GOAL. Mohammed Kudus opens the scoring for the Black Stars. Ghana 1-0 Egypt

44' Mohamed Salah subbed off. The Liverpool man has relinquished the captain's armband and is leaving the field, acknowledging that he cannot continue.

40' Dangerous run from Marmoush, until Samed just shoves him to the ground. Yellow card, not sure why he's trying to argue with that decision.

Themba Zwane once told by Bafana Bafana coach that he could leave Mamelodi Sundowns for Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs

Football

31' COOLING BREAK. Time for a water break, decide the players, as Kamal needs some treatment.

25' Salah is adopting a relatively deep position for Egypt, more like a wing-back on the right at times. It's questionable whether this is truly what his country requires.

16' Corner to Ghana. Taken short by Jordan, Kudus attempts to deliver a cross, but surprisingly, it's Salah who swiftly moves out to block the attempt.

13' Kudus demonstrates sharpness in the midfield whenever Ghana manages to involve him in the game.

7' The ball is played through to Semenyo, who attempts to deceive El Shenawy, but his shot is saved. However, the offside flag is raised.

5' Kudus off-balance and from a considerable distance still takes a shot, but it was never going to pose a challenge to the goalkeeper

Here we go!

The teams have stepped onto the pitch, and there's a good-sized crowd in attendance.

It's time for the anthems, and soon, the attention will shift to the eagerly awaited kick-off!

About to go down!

The players are emerging from the tunnel and onto the pitch. A win for either team will significantly revive their AFCON campaign as they approach the final group-stage matches.

Egypt vs Ghans Head to Head

Mohammed Kudus is back!

Ghana's star boy has made a return to the starting lineup to boost the Black Stars after missing the first match through injury. Joseph Paintsil drops out of the side despite making a superlative performance against Cape Verde.

For Egypt, Trezeguet failed to make the starting XI after an unimpressive display against Mozambique. Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt seizes the opportunity to showcase his skills from the left-wing position.

Egypt vs Ghana team news

Egypt XI: El Shenawy, Kamal, Hegazi, Abdelmonem, Hamdy, H. Fathi, Elneny, Ashour, Marmoush, Mohamed, Salah

Subs: Gabr, Hany, Trezeguet, Kouka, Kahraba, Fatouh, Attia, M. Fathi, Hamada, Abou Gabal, Zizo, Sobhy

Ghana XI: Ofori; Odoi, Salisu, Djiku, Mensah; Salis, Ashimeru; Kudus, J. Ayew, Inaki, Semenyo

Subs: Seidu, Opokum A. Ayew, Bukari, Wollacott, Paintsil, Owusu, Ati Zigi, Amartey, Nuamah, Iddrisu, Sowah

Match Preview

Group B in the Africa Cup of Nations will witness a face-off between Egypt and Ghana at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny this Thursday.

Although both nations are typically seen as strong contenders to progress from the group, a subpar performance on the opening day has increased the pressure on both teams. This has raised expectations for an exciting and fiercely competitive match.

Egypt share the spoils with Mozambique

Egypt, the seven-time African champions, were on the brink of a major upset in the initial stage of the 2023 AFCON. They were trailing to Mozambique in the final minutes of stoppage time.

Yet, the situation took a turn when Liverpool star Mohamed Salah demonstrated composure under pressure. He successfully converted a penalty in the 97th minute, rescuing Egypt from potential embarrassment and securing a draw.

Ghana stunned by Cape Verde

The Black Stars had a successful qualifying campaign, remaining undefeated as one of only three nations to achieve this feat.

However, their fortune took a downturn in their group opener, experiencing a more unfortunate outcome than Egypt.

The four-time African champions suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat against underdogs Cape Verde on Sunday evening.

Alexander Djiku scored his first goal for Ghana just before the hour mark, levelling the score after Jamiro Monteiro's first-half opener. Nevertheless, Garry Rodrigues delivered a decisive blow in the 92nd minute, granting the Blue Sharks a well-deserved victory.

Where to watch the game

All AFCON 2023 matches will air on Sports Premium, channel 252 or 246, on StarTimes as well as on StarTimes-ON app.