This weekend’s highly anticipated 2018 World Cup qualifier clash between the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Black Stars of Ghana at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Sunday is expected to be the toast of football supporters across the globe.
The clash, dubbed by many as ‘The Revenge Mission’ will see the Egyptians seeking to avenge the 6-1 defeat they suffered to Ghana in the 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Baba Yara Stadium in Ghana.
The Black Stars struggled against the Cranes of Uganda after a draw in Tamale while the Egyptians recorded a flying start.
Egypt are set to face Ghana at home in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers after their[Egypt’s] fine start against Congo, away.
TACTICS
Grant’s tactical build-up in recent matches has been centred on the wings, where Christian Atsu and Frank Acheampong have been a means of creativity. His counterpart, Hector Cuper, deploys similar tactics with focus on playing a counter-attacking game using Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet on the flanks.
But there might be a change in tactic from Grant, especially with the comeback of Dede Ayew who might be given a free role in operating across the midfield area.
Cuper mainly prioritizes the defensive side of the game by looking to narrow his midfield and deny Ghana’s attacking players any space to exploit.
The defensive setup of the Stars has been a shaky one recently, and the pacey Egyptians could exploit their characteristic sluggishness.
TEAM NEWS
Egypt goalkeeper, Essam El-Hadary, has had sub-par performances in the league since the Congo game, as well as faced trouble with his centre-back pairing, but he is expected to start alongside Gabr, Dweidar, and Hegazy in defence.
Also, Egypt’s strikers under Cuper haven’t had the best of luck, therefore the Argentine tactician decided to call two-time Egyptian Premier League top goalscorer, Hossam Paolo, for this clash after Sporting Braga striker, Ahmed Hassan Kouka, sustained a muscle injury in training.
Ghana, on the other hand, have substantive captain, Asamoah Gyan, ruled out of the clash, while West Ham attacker, Andre Ayew, is not fully fit but is expected to lead the Stars.
Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the attack for the Stars with Agyemang Badu being reinstated into midfield after coming back from an injury sustained on international duty last month.
PREDICTED EGYPT XI:
Essam El-Hadary, Ahmed Fathi, Ali Gabr, Ahmed Dweidar, Mohamed Abdel-Shafy, Tarek Hamed, Mohamed Elneny; Mohamed Salah, Abdallah El-Said, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Bassem Morsi.
PREDICTED GHANA XI:
Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Afriyie Acquah, Christian Atsu, Mubarak Wakaso, Majeed Waris, Dede Ayew, Jordan Ayew.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides have been involved in numerous friendlies and few competitive games over the years. Overall, there has been 24 games between Egypt and Ghana. Egypt has won 11, Ghana has won eight, and five draws.
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