Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt vs Ghana Predictions
Result Crucial for Ghana
Both Sides Fail to Win the First Match
Egypt and Ghana were both favored to win their Group B openers at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Egypt needed a late penalty just to draw with Mozambique and Ghana fell 2-1 to Cape Verde. Now, both sides will be desperately looking for a result and a loss could prove fatal to Ghana. As the 2021 finalists take on the 2015 finalists, we’ll make some Egypt vs Ghana predictions. Ahead of Thursday’s match, we’ll cover the odds and the latest team news as well.
Egypt vs Ghana
Location: Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Day/Time:
Streaming: Live Sports Stream
Head-to-Head:
Egypt and Ghana last met in a 2017 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which ended in a 1-1 draw. They also met earlier that year, in the Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah scored the game’s only goal as Egypt took down Ghana in Group D. Egypt vs Ghana predictions will take into account the fact that Egypt is 12-6-5 all-time vs. Ghana. The Pharaohs are unbeaten in their last four matches vs. Ghana.
Salah: Key Man for Egypt
Egypt opened up their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Mozambique. Mostafa Mohamed opened up the scoring for the Pharaohs just two minutes in, with a low strike into the corner. At halftime, Egypt led 1-0 and were controlling the game. However, Mozambique scored two goals in quick succession in the second half to go up 2-1. The 2021 finalists, with their backs against the wall, created a lot of chances but couldn’t find an equalizer deep into the second half.
Egypt did win a penalty in stoppage time, though, which Mohamed Salah converted to tie the score at two. The match finished all square and Egypt are still in a solid position heading into the second matchday. The African Cup odds price them at +1200 odds to win their first AFCON title since 2010. Salah is one of the best players in the tournament and he’ll draw a lot of attention on the right wing. Mohamed has been having an excellent season with Nantes, while Omar Marmoush could play a bigger role as the tournament goes on.
Egypt has been a solid pick for soccer betting over the last 12 months, as they’ve won nine of their 12 matches. They’ve scored at least twice in their last four matches and Trezeguet has four goals in his last four matches. While Egypt’s offensive potential is clear, they did look quite vulnerable defensively on Sunday.
Kudus Back in Training for Ghana
Another Premier League star is Ghana’s best player: West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus. Kudus picked up an injury for the Hammers in their 2-0 win over Arsenal on December 28th and has been recovering ever since. He returned to training last week but was not fit enough to play in Ghana’s opener vs. Cape Verde. Kudus was Ghana’s leading scorer in Africa Cup of Nations qualification and has been a game-changer for West Ham.
Ghana missed him on Sunday, as they fell 2-1 to Cape Verde. Cape Verde opened up the scoring in the 17th minute, through Jamiro Monteiro. Alexander Djiku equalized on a second-half header but it wasn’t enough for the Black Stars. Some calamitous defending led to an open goal for Cape Verde’s Garry Rodrigues, who scored in stoppage time to win the match.
It continues a rough patch of form for Chris Hughton’s Ghana, who have won just one of their last six matches, in all competitions. Ghana have some talented players on their roster but Hughton hasn’t seemed to find his best lineup. Undoubtedly Kudus will be a part of it when he’s healthy but the Black Stars also have high-level players like Jordan and Andre Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Iñaki Williams, Osman Bukari, Salis Abdul Samed, and Mohammed Salisu.
Match Analysis & Odds
Egypt entered this match on a 14-game scoring streak and the first of our Egypt vs Ghana predictions is that they’ll continue their streak here. Both defenses were quite shaky in their openers and bettors may want to consider both teams to score at +135 odds as well. For Thursday’s match, Egypt is -105 ATS and moneyline favorites and they’ve won three of their last four games vs. Ghana.
After a disappointing loss, Ghana are +375 underdogs and they’ve failed to score in four of their last six games. Expect a better performance from the Black Stars on Thursday in a match they almost certainly need to get a result in to stay alive. Ghana +0.5 sits at -115 odds and a draw wouldn’t at all be surprising in this one. Of all of the moneyline options, we think a draw, at +210, offers the best value.
Should a draw occur, both teams will almost certainly make the knockout stage with a win in their group stage finale. We’d absolutely consider taking a 1-1 draw at +500 odds in this one. Punters can also take over 1.5, or 2 goals at -130 odds.
For soccer betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
