AFCON 2023: Ghana, Egypt tie in back-and-forth match in second Group B game
The Black Stars' Mohammed Kudus delivered two goals in his return after missing the squad's opening match against Cape Verde
Football
Ghana and Egypt drew 2-2 in their Group B match-up on Thursday (18 January) at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire.
Ghana is seeking its first contiental title in more than four decades, having last won the title in 1982. Egypt's most recent AFCON victory came in 2010.
On Thursday, both teams struggled to find their groove - and opportunities to score - in the opening period. But as the first half moved into extra time, the action heated up.
First at 45'+1, Egypt's superstar Mohamed Salah limped off the field after going down away from the action of play. He appeared to be pointing to his hamstring as he exited.
Two minutes later, Ghana's Mohammed Kudus scored, making it 1-0 at the end of the first. Kudus wasn't available for Ghana's opening round game against Cape Verde, which they lost.
The second half saw a wild five minute stretch that included three goals.
First, Egypt's Omar Marmoush stuck in the 69th minute, tying the match at one-all. But, that was short-lived as Kudus stepped up and scored again just two minutes later, giving Ghana a 2-1 lead.
Minutes later, Egypt's Mostafa Mohamed tied it up once again in the 74th minute at 2-2.
Group B play continues on Monday with Egypt facing Cape Verde, while Ghana is set to take on Mozambique.