Ghana loses to Egypt in world cup match qualifier

Ghana’s chances of qualifying to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia became dimmer when the Black Stars lost 2-0 to their Egyptian counterparts in Alexandria, Egypt on Sunday in their second Group E match. 

The Pharaohs of Egypt, who played second fiddle to the Black Stars in control scored twice, one in each half to pick all the three points at stake. 

Egypt scored their first goal through a penalty converted by Mohammed Salah two minutes to the end of the first half when Ghana’s left back Harrison Afful brought down Hassan Trezeguet inside the box. 

The Pharaohs had mounted early pressure on the Black Stars but could not find the back of the net after incessant attacks. 

The Black Stars soaked the pressure and turned the pendulum with control in the midfield through the hard work of Mubarak Wakaso, Thomas Partey and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. 

They made some incursions into the penalty area of the Egyptians and in one of the occasions won a free-kick close to the Egypt box when Jordan Ayew was fouled by Mohammed El Neny. 

Wakaso’s free-kick was parried by experienced goalkeeper Essam El Hadary. 

Jordan dictated the pace, making moves into the area of their opponents all to no avail. 

The situation remained the same until the Egyptians got the opener two minutes to the end of the half. 

In the second half Egypt coach Hector Cuper introduced Ramadan Sobhi to replace striker Bassam Morsi in a tactical move. 

Ghana pushed men forward but their efforts yielded no results. Agyemang. Egypt came into the picture and earned a corner kick after Amartey’s quick interception on a through ball which split the defense apart. 

Christian was denied of a goal when experienced goalkeeper Hadary beautifully tipped the ball away for a corner on 63 minutes. 

Abdalla Saied added another goal when the Egyptians mounted a rare attack with four minutes to end the match. 

He shot from close range to beat Ghana’s goalkeeper Brimah, leaving Ghana in third place on the table with one point; five behind leaders Egypt and three behind second placed Uganda who beat Congo 1-0 at home on Saturday.


GBC