Egypt - Ghana predictions and free betting tips [18/01/2024]

Today, in group B, the two main favourites - Egypt and Ghana - are set to lock horns.

Egypt National Team

Despite possessing one of the strongest lineups on paper, Egypt showed a mixed performance in their first round of the Africa Cup of Nations, drawing 2:2 with Mozambique. Albeit Mostafa Mohamed drew first blood on the second minute into the match following a pass from Mohamed Salah, by the 58th minute, Egypt were trailing at 1:2. It was Salah's penalty kick goal on the 96th minute that allowed Egypt to salvage a point. The Egyptians had ball possession 60% of the time, with 21 shots on goal compared to their opponent's 5. However, their defence was utterly dysfunctional, as Mozambique managed to score two goals out of just two shots on target.

The offensive power that Egypt possesses is substantial. Mohamed Salah needs no introduction, and he's accompanied by two players making their strides in European leagues. Mostafa Mohamed from Nantes is a potent centre forward, while the veteran Trezeguet will play on the left flank, although there's a chance that young Omar Marmoush from Eintracht might make an appearance in the second tour. Mohammed El Neny, a notable midfielder, is currently receiving minimal play time in Arsenal. The defensive linchpin is Ahmed Hegazi, but the 24-year-old Mohammed Abdelmonem from Al Ahly merits attention too.

Recent matches of the Egyptian squad have yielded more favourable results: on 7th January 2024, the team beat Tanzania 2:0 in a friendly match. In the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, on 19th November 2023, Egypt won Sierra Leone 2:0, and on 16th November 2023 humiliated Djibouti 6:0. These results indicate that despite some defensive weaknesses, Egypt remains a strong team with the potential to make a successful run in the tournament.

Ghana National Team

Ghana, boasting experienced veterans, shockingly lost 1:2 to Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations. After Monteiro's goal on the 17th minute, the Ghanaians managed to equalise 56 minutes into the match courtesy of Jiku following a pass from Ayew Jordan. However, it was Rodrigues who delivered victory for Cape Verde on the 91st minute. Inaki Williams from Atletico made an inexplicable appearance only on the 60th minute and along with Andre Ayew, failed to make an impact in the game. Ghana lost in all metrics in the match, including ball possession (46% versus Cape Verde's 54%) and shots on goal (11 against 15 shots, 1-5 in terms of on-target shots).

The matches leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations were equally disappointing for Ghana. On 8th January 2024, the team drew 0:0 with Namibia, and on 21st November 2023, they lost 0:1 to the Comoros Islands in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. However, on the 17th November 2023, Ghana did manage to beat Madagascar 1:0.

In addition to the scoreline, Ghana has lost their main star, Thomas Partey, due to an injury. Now, Salis Abdul Samed from Lens is leading in the central defensive position. Right before the tournament, Mohammed Kudus was injured, leaving his participation in the first tournament game in doubt. The team also suffered other losses prior to the tournament, including Sulemana, Lamptey, Kiere Lamptey from the Premier League – a significant loss in the attacking department. Naturalised Spaniard-Basque Inaki Williams scored the only goal for the "Black Stars" in the World Cup qualifier.

Head-to-Head Meetings

In their last match in 2017 during the qualifiers for the World Cup in Russia, the teams drew 1:1.

Prediction for the Egypt - Ghana match

The "Black Stars" appeared exceedingly feeble in their first match, but Egypt just managed to scrape a draw against Cape Verde. Despite a stronger squad, Ghana's star players are predominantly attackers. Ghana without injuries lost even to the Comoros Islands in the World Cup qualifiers, whereas Egypt appears to be a more organised team. My stake is on them.