Ghana, Egypt Chase top spot to play at Port-Gentil

Seven-time AFCON winners Egypt comes face to face with Ghana in port gentil today needing only a point to qualify for the quarter-finals alongside black stars, Egypt can even go through regardless if Mali fails to beat Uganda in the other group C match.

But a win for Egypt would allow them to leapfrog Ghana and advance as group winners. However the Black stars have made it clear their unwillingness to vacate port gentil despite the bad nature of the pitch and would want to safeguard a point to welcome their quarter finals opponent .That might not be what they want, however- the group winner will remain in port gentil for the quarter finals while the runners up must stick up to OYEM in the north of the country- a journey that will have an effect on their training schedule.

‘‘Everyone wants to play in the other city .NO one wants to play in this stadium,’’ Egypt’s Ahmed El-Mohamady said. ‘‘But for us we need to win the group. It’s about getting points, not about the stadium.’’

Egypt has doubt over full back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi and 44-year-old Essam El Hadary remains their only goalkeeper, Ghana coach Avram Grant  may be tempted to rest some first-choice players. Skipper Asamoah Gyan will hope to feature however.

SOURCE: Ahotoronline.com