In a thrilling match at Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, the Black Stars of Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by the Pharaohs of Egypt on Thursday evening. The game was marked by a stellar performance from Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, who scored twice, and key mistakes from Iñaki Williams and Osman Bukari.
Kudus, the West Ham star making a return from injury, displayed his exceptional talent by weaving through Egyptian defenders and launching a spectacular long-range strike from Salis Abdul Samed’s pass just before halftime. This goal came shortly after Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was forced off the field, seemingly weakening Egypt’s attacking force.
Ghana initially struggled to penetrate Egypt’s defense but eventually found its rhythm. Majeed Ashimeru’s counter-attack led to a promising chance for Antoine Semenyo, only to be thwarted by Egyptian goalkeeper Ahmed Elshenawi.
Despite Egypt’s dominance in possession, their strategy under Rui Vitoria, focusing on Ghana’s fullbacks, proved largely ineffective. Jordan Ayew and Iñaki Williams provided crucial defensive support, and Salis Abdul Samed’s dynamic runs disrupted Egypt’s advances.
The second half saw Egypt intensify their efforts for an equalizer. A goal by Abdelmonem was disallowed after a VAR review for offside. Omar Marmoush also came close with a direct run and shot, testing Ghana’s defense.
Ghana remained a threat on the counterattack, with Semenyo squandering a key opportunity. However, the match turned dramatic with quick successive goals. Marmoush capitalized on a mistake by Williams to score, but Kudus quickly responded with his second goal, receiving a pass from Odoi and skillfully finishing with a low shot.
In a twist of fate, another error by Ghanaian substitute Osman Bukari led to Egypt’s second equalizer. Mahmoud Trezeguet set up Mostafa Mohamed for the tying goal, marking his second in two games. Despite Egypt’s late surge, Ghana managed to hold on for a draw, a result that was bittersweet considering their twice-squandered lead.
