The Pharaohs counted on the duo of Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Abou-Treika to make a difference against the Black Stars. Both players had been crucial for Egypt during the qualifiers, contributing to 11 of the team’s 16 goals. Abou-Treika, at 34, had never played in a World Cup and considered this as a last opportunity before retiring. Salah, at 22, was emerging as a rising star in Egyptian football.
The harmony between Abou-Treika and Salah was highlighted, with the experienced midfielder playing a significant role on and off the pitch. In Kumasi, the Pharaohs aimed to achieve a positive result at the Baba Yara Stadium, keeping in mind the security concerns that led to a request from the Ghanaian Federation to move the return match to a neutral ground.
The first leg set the stage for a crucial return match in Cairo, where the Pharaohs hoped to secure their place in the 2014 World Cup.
