Ghana beats Egypt 3-0 in friendly

In their first meeting since the final of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana stepped up preparations for the 2013 tournament on Thursday with a friendly against Egypt.

Seven-time winners Egypt had failed to secure a place in South Africa - and they fell behind in the 18th minute at Sheikh Zayed Sports City.

After a short free-kick, Wakaso Mubarak crossed and midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu powered home a header.

'The Pharoes' gradually grew into the match and appealed for a penalty when Omar Gaber was challenged by Ghana defender John Boye.

However, Gaber was adjudged to be guilty of diving and received a yellow card.

It stayed at 1-0 until half-time and Egypt didn't fashion any great opportunities before the break - back-up 'Black Stars' goalkeeper Fatua Dauda had to stop Al Sayed Hamdy's goal-bound shot though.

Egypt's task got even tougher early in the second half when they let in another goal.

Goalkeeper Ahmed Al Shenawy made a hash of clearing the ball and Kwadwo Asamoah's smart backheel set up Richmond Boakye for a straightforward finish.

Ghana almost increased their lead shortly after the hour-mark when, once again, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu headed on target.

Omar Gaber's thigh stopped a certain goal before the referee blew for a foul.

Regular 'Black Stars' starter Asamoah Gyan was brought off the bench with just over ten minutes to go, and he didn't take long to find the target.

With a suspicion of offside, the striker latched on to Christian Atsu's through ball and calmly stroked the ball home.

Ghana closed out a 3-0 win and will be confident heading into another friendly on Sunday (January 13th), this time against Tunisia.

Egypt almost got a late consolation goal, but Fatua Dauda pulled off an athletic save to deny Mohamed El Nenny from long range.