Ghana on verge of exit as Egypt hit back twice in tension soaked encounter

Egypt fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations after a lively second half in Abidjan.

Mohammed Kudus blasted in to put Ghana ahead in first-half stoppage time, a minute after Pharaohs captain Mohamed Salah was forced off through injury.

Omar Marmoush levelled but Kudus quickly restored the lead for the Black Stars with a deflected effort.

However, Mostafa Mohamed stabbed in to give Egypt their second point and leave Ghana winless after two Group B games.

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The West Africans lost their opening game against Cape Verde and the four-time continental champions are on the brink of a second successive group-stage exit from the Afcon finals.

Cape Verde will secure top spot in Group B if the islanders beat Mozambique on Tuesday

There were late chances at either end to win it, with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori saving Emam Ashour’s shot before Pharaohs keeper Mohamed El Shenawy failed to clear a corner which Iddrisu Baba could not divert goalwards.

Chris Hughton’s Ghana, who paid the price for defensive lapses once again, will have to beat Mozambique in the final round of games on Monday to progress to the last 16.

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The 24-team format means three points may be enough to qualify as one of four best third-placed sides but Egypt, who could be without Salah, could do with all three points against Cape Verde.

Egypt finished as runners-up at the 2021 Afcon finals and are chasing a record-extending eighth continental title