Sports News of Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Source: AFP
African champions Egypt stormed back to snatch a 2-2 draw with Ghana Wednesday in a high-profile Cairo friendly ahead of 2010 World Cup qualifiers next month.
Egypt, winners of the previous two editions of the biennial African Nations Cup, are ranked third on the continent and Ghana fourth by world football body FIFA and the Cairo Stadium thriller matched expectations.
Fortune favoured the 'Pharaohs' when they took a 40th-minute lead through Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky as his shot that rebounded off the crossbar was adjudged a goal when TV replays suggested otherwise.
The 'Black Stars' of Ghana, third behind Egypt and Cameroon when they hosted the 2008 Nations Cup, levelled seven minutes into the second half when a cross hit Hani Said on the arm and Stephen Appiah converted the penalty.
Club-less midfielder Appiah also featured in the second Ghana goal with 12 minutes left as goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary failed to grasp his shot and Prince Tagoe tapped home the rebound.
This goal triggered a fiery Egyptian response that paid off six minutes from full-time when Saudi Arabia-based striker Emad Moteab controlled a loose ball and drove past goalkeeper Richard Kingson from close range.
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata started with recalled Germany-based striker Mohamed Zidan, who had been accused of faking injury to dodge World Cup qualifiers last year.
And he introduced Mohamed Barakat, a frequent critic of the coach, for Hosni Abd Rabou 15 minutes into the second half as Egypt sought a second friendly win in as many months having edged Kenya 1-0 at the same venue.
Goalkeeper Richard Kingston
Defenders John Paintsil, Jonathan Quartey, Eric Addo, Nana Akwasi Asare.
Mid-Fielders Laryea Kingston, Anthony Annan, Stephen Appiah, Sulley Muntari.
Attackers Junior Agogo, Prince Tagoe.