Ghana and Egypt share the spoils

Ghana shared the spoils with Egypt after letting off the Pharaohs in a 2-2 drawn friendly fixture at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

The Black Stars rallied from a controversial first half goal to level up during the second period of the game with goals from Stephen Appiah from a spot kick and a tap-in by Prince Tagoe.

But slack defending in the final minutes of the game allowed the Egyptians to draw level as Ghana spurned the chance to hand Egypt a rare home defeat.

Egypt looked the better side in the first half but failed to find target until a ball which hit the under of the crossbar and bounced into play was adjudged a goal by the referee in consultation with the assistant referee.

Television replays showed clearly that Mohammed Shawky's shot which came off the cross bar had not crossed the line.

Ghana protested but the Libyan referee stuck his decision and showed Sulley Muntari a yellow card as the Black Stars resumed play with the scores staying 1-0 for the hosts into recess.

Back from the break, Ghana took charge of the game dominating the midfielder exchanges and levelled seven minutes into the second half.

A cross by John Paintsil hit Hani Said on the arm and Stephen Appiah converted the penalty past Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadari.

With 12 minutes left, Ghana scored the second goal. Appiah, picked up a long clearance by Jonathan Quartey, got into the Egyptian box before letting go a shot which goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary failed to grasp and Prince Tagoe tapped home the rebound.

Ghana's lead drew a response from Egypt and they eventually managed to draw six minutes from full-time when striker Emad Moteab controlled a loose ball and drove past goalkeeper Richard Kingson from close range.