Egypt legend and former captain Hany Ramzy has warned that the Black Stars will be fierce going into the second group game on Thursday in the AFCON 2023.
The 1998 AFCON winner criticized head coach Rui Vitória as the record African champions struggled before settling for a draw against Mozambique at Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan last Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Ramzy said, “The performance was a surprise to me because I expected us to win with a goal difference, but the football map has changed on the African continent.”
“Ghana lost to cape Verde. The African continent has undergone significant changes, unlike the past period, but the Mozambique game was within reach. We scored in the first half, but in the second half, I was disappointed with the performance.”
“In my opinion, coach Rui Vitoria should have started Marwan Ateya, Sayed Ahmed Zizo and Emam Ashour in midfield, and the coach should have returned Salah to his position.
“I did not feel Ahmed Hassan Koka when he participated. All his crosses were in favour of Mozambique.”
“I believe that this perspective must be the starting point for Egypt against Ghana. I watched Ghana, and it’s not a terrifying team.”
“But their loss against Cape Verde will make them fierce because it’s their last chance. However, if we are in our condition and they are in their condition, we will excel.” Hany Ramzy said.
It’s a match of destiny in the second round of group games as Egypt squares it off with Ghana.
A defeat for either side will mean a jeopardy in a quest to reach the next stage. Egypt were the runners up in the last AFCON, losing to Senegal on penalties as Ghana was crushed out by minnows Comoros in Cameroon.