Can Ghana beat Egypt in Alexandria?

On Sunday, Ghana head to the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria looking to defeat Egypt , ostensibly their primary rivals for a spot in Russia at the 2018 World Cup. The daunting nature of the task, as you would imagine, has not been lost on anyone.

The concerns for the Black Stars ahead of the match are plentiful.

Ghana will have to do without Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew will be making only his second start in a football game in three months, the four-time African champions are without a win in four matches, the match will be played in the intimidating atmosphere of Alexandria, and, to top it all off, coach Avram Grant has looked clueless in the last few matches.

There are bigger concerns as well, notably that the Black Stars have been caught up in a fierce but absurdly childish power play between the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry for Sports, and, perhaps most concerning, the team seem to have lost the faith of the fans and the spirit that so often saw them through the testing times.

The list of problems facing the side can appear insurmountable but, for now at least, Ghana will still fancy their chances of getting a result against the Pharaohs and moving on after last month’s disappointing draw against Uganda.

Stars, they say, shine brightest in the dark.