Egypt twice got here from behind to earn a 2-2 draw in opposition to Ghana on the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday after captain Mohamed Salah misplaced the primary half to harm.
Mohammed Kudus scored each targets for Ghana, scoring the opener from 20 yards shortly after Salah went off within the Group B match on the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
Omar Marmoush made a mistake halfway by means of the second half to equalize for Egypt, however Kudus instantly struck once more to revive Ghana's lead.
The Black Stars have been compelled to rue one other mistake as Mostafa Mohamed equalized after 74 minutes, leaving Ghana with only one level from two video games.
Egypt are only one level higher off after back-to-back attracts, however their quick concern would be the well being of Salah – whose stoppage-time penalty had secured a 2-2 draw in opposition to Mozambique.
Ghana have now gained simply one in all their final eleven AFCON matches. They have been stunned 2-1 of their first match by Cape Verde, the smallest nation within the event, which may conquer a final sixteen place and a primary place within the group with the victory over Mozambique on Friday.
Chris Hughton made three modifications to his Ghana facet as he recalled Kudus and Spanish-born striker Inaki Williams understanding one other loss would depart them watching a second successive first-round exit.
The previous 4 AFCON conferences between the nations had resulted in simply 5 targets, a pattern that appeared to proceed in a quiet first half during which Emam Ashour's shot was the primary heading in the right direction within the forty third minute.
• Salah goes off –
Moments later, nevertheless, Egypt misplaced their talisman Salah and virtually instantly fell behind.
The Liverpool ahead sank to the grass as Ghana counter-attacked, grabbing the again of his left leg and resigned to the truth that his night was at the least over.
With Egypt nonetheless reeling from the lack of Salah, it was Ghana's key determine Kudus who caught the attention, shifting the ball away from a pair of defenders and firing a left-footed transfer into the close to nook.
The West Ham attacking midfielder missed the defeat to Cape Verde by means of harm, however right here he confirmed how central he’s to the Black Stars' fading hopes of a fifth AFCON title – 42 years after they final lifted the trophy.
Kudus smashed a shot into the bottom and simply over the crossbar earlier than Ahmed Hegazi, who took the armband from Salah, had a aim disallowed for offside early within the second half.
Marmoush compelled Richard Ofori to transform a tantalizing effort however Egypt took benefit of a Ghana deficit to attract after 69 minutes.
Williams hit an ill-advised backpass that pounced on Marmoush, who nervelessly rounded Ofori and headed residence.
Kudus put Ghana again forward two minutes later after receiving Denis Odoi's move within the space, together with his shot wanting previous Mohamed Abdelmonem and deceiving Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Nonetheless, Ghana was as soon as once more the architect of their very own downfall.
Substitute Osman Bukari was caught in possession in his personal penalty space, permitting Mahmoud Trezequet to intervene and pull the ball again for Mohamed to ship between Ofori's legs.
Ashour virtually took victory on the demise however his curling effort was properly held by Ofori, sparing Ghana from one other defeat and protecting them in rivalry for the knockout levels.
AFP
