Egypt vs Ghana Prediction: Tips and Best Bets Preview
Scott Thornton brings you his Egypt vs Ghana predictions ahead of their crucial clash in the African Cup of Nations. Both sides faltered in their opening games of the tournament, so another loss here could spell the end for one of these sides.
Both were expected to qualify for the knockout stages before the tournament began. Mohamed Salah will be keen to ensure his dream of lifting an international trophy remains alive, so expect a performance from the Liverpool legend.
Egypt vs Ghana Prediction and Tips Preview
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 1: Egypt To Win
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 2: Both Teams To Score
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 3: Mohamed Salah To Score
In this article:
Egypt vs Ghana Tip 1: The Pharaohs
African Cup of Nations, Friday, January 18th, 20:00 (UK)
Egypt were very fortunate to salvage a point in their opening group game against Mozambique. Mohamed Salah showcased nerves of steel as he slotted home a 97th-minute penalty to make the score 2-2. The point gives them a slight advantage over Ghana coming into this one, but three points are vital for their ambitions of winning the group.
The Pharaohs were wasteful and looked vulnerable to the counterattack against Mozambique. Rui Vitoria’s side kept 62% of the ball and had 21 shots, but they were unable to make that dominance count. The less-fancied Mozambique were able to claw their way back into the game, despite falling behind in the 2nd minute of the match, but there can be no room for complacency in the Egyptian ranks this time around.
Ghana suffered a huge blow in their opening game as Cape Verde were able to snatch all three points with an injury-time winner. That late goal was well-deserved, so I’m expecting Salah and Co. to give the Black Stars an even tougher time.
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 1: Egypt To Win (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.05
- Bookmaker: Coral
- Stake: 10/10
Egypt vs Ghana Tip 2: Chances at Both Ends
Egypt were able to control possession in their opener, and they expect to have the lion’s share of possession against the Black Star. Ghana had 47% possession against Cape Verde, despite being the clear favourites. Expect the Egyptians to do some damage when given the space here.
Ghana are the underdogs here, but they know they need a result. The return of Mohammed Kudus will also bolster their attack. The West Ham attacker has been playing marvellously well this season, with six Premier League goals to his name. He has the physical and technical ability to cause problems for the toughest of defences, so he should be able to fashion himself some chances against Egypt.
The Pharaohs conceded two goals from the only two shots on target in their last match. They will need to tighten up here, but it is unlikely that Vitoria will find the remedy for all of their defensive woes in such a short space of time.
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 2: Both Teams To Score (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.38
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 10/10
Egypt vs Ghana Tip 3: Salah the Difference Maker
The last of our tips for this clash is for Mohamed Salah to score at any point in the match. We could see a cagey opening period with the stakes so high, but the Liverpool forward has so often come up trumps when the pressure is on.
Egypt have scored an average of 2.1 goals per game in their last 10 matches, and Salah has scored six in their last four. This bet has landed in three of those matches. Salah carries the burden of expectation for the national team, but there is very little to suggest he isn’t up to the task.
Salah is enjoying one of his best seasons in a Liverpool shirt. His massive contribution has his club sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League. He rediscovered his best form towards the back end of last season, and it has continued into this campaign. Mohamed has scored 14 goals and registered eight assists in 20 Premier League appearances. He is also incredibly reliable from the penalty spot, so the price on offer for him to score any time appeals here.
- Egypt vs Ghana Tip 3: Mohamed Salah To Score (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 2.60
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Egypt vs Ghana Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:30, January 16th, 2024. Odds may now differ.
Egypt vs Ghana Team News Preview: Kudus Back in Training
Egypt have a clean bill of health coming into this one. They didn’t pick up any injuries in their opening group match, but Rui Vitoria may opt to shuffle things around as he searches for the winning formula.
Mohamed Kudus was injured for Ghana’s first game, but he has returned to training ahead of this game. It is unclear whether he is fully fit, but he is likely to be risked for at least some of this crucial fixture. Kudus is an integral part of the Ghana side and will not want to sit on the sidelines to watch his country potentially bow out of this year’s African Cup of Nations.
Egypt vs Ghana Stats Preview: Goals and Wins Side with Pharaohs
- Egypt have suffered just one defeat in their last 15 matches. That sole defeat came against Tunisia in September of last year.
- Since the start of 2023, the Pharaohs have played 12 matches and have averaged 2.25 goals per game. They haven’t failed to score in any of those.
- Ghana have won just one of their last six matches, including international friendlies.
- Chris Houghton’s side have been averaging just 0.93 goals per game since the start of 2023, but they have to throw the kitchen sink at this one.
How To Watch
- Egypt vs Ghana, Africa Cup of Nations.
- Date and Time: Thursday, January 18th, 20:00 (UK)
- How to Watch or Stream on TV (UK): Sky Sports Main Event
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