ADVERTISEMENT

Egypt defeat Ghana to top Group D

Ghana will thus play the DR Congo in the quarter final on Sunday, January 29 in Oyem

A first half goal from Mohammed Salah was all the Pharoahs needed at the Stade de Port Gentil to secure top spot, a feat which means they will face Morocco in the quarter final on Sunday January 29 at the same venue.

READ MORE:AFCON 2017

AS Roma's Salah, 24, lashed in a thunderbolt shot from a free kick just outside of the box in the 10th minute to help Hector Cuper's men to the narrow win. Newly signed Columbus Crewe defender Jonathan Mensah, returning to Ghana's starting XI after seeing the first two games from the bench, was the villain as he crucially lost possession deep in his own half, leading to John Boye having to foul a menacing El Said for the free kick.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: AFCON 2017

Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan saw his milestone 100th cap end in misery as he was pulled off for Jordan Ayew on 40 minutes following an injury.

It was a tale of two halves as Egypt were in complete control of the first, with Ghana assuming the driver's seat in the second in frantic search of an equalizer, posing problems for 44-year-old Egypt goalie Essam El Hadary and his line of defence.

There was some late drama - with end to end saves from Hadary and Ghana goalie Razak Brimah to deny Jordan Ayew and Mahmoud Kahraba.

READ MORE: Down Memory Lane

ADVERTISEMENT

Ghana, who lost their third consecutive game to the North African side, will now have to travel to Oyem for their quarter final against the DR Congo on Sunday January 29.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT