Sunday brought Black Stars fans another all too predictable defeat in the AFCON 2023 Group B opener against Cape Verde.
So what do Ghana need to do to get the better of Egypt on Thursday after a disheartening defeat?
1. Stop the supply line to Mohammed Salah
Salah is more than just good; he is entirely capable of single-handedly winning matches. Once he has the ball in a dangerous area, stopping him is nearly impossible. Therefore, the Black Stars must focus on limiting his opportunities to receive the ball in those critical areas.
Stopping Salah requires more than just marking him. The Black Stars forwards must cut off the passing lanes to him when he drops deep, while the defenders need to be prepared for the inevitable occasions when he breaks through.
We never thought we'd be saying this, but Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu could learn a thing or two from Mozambique's center-back pair in that regard. The duo delivered the performance of their lives against the Egyptians, making some outstanding tackles on the Liverpool player.
2. Get Mohammed Kudus on the ball
In the same way that the Black Stars will try to stop Salah from getting the ball, one of Egypt's biggest focuses will be silencing Mohammed Kudus.
The West Ham man starts attack with his passing and dribbling. Nobody in the Ghana team is capable of doing what he does though, meaning they struggle to create much when they can't have him involved.
Egypt will undoubtedly be aware of that and will surely have plans in place to limit his influence.
Given that, Hughton needs his own plan for dealing with this, whether it be moving his player or tweaking the entire system.
It may seem a drastic change to make for just one player, but it's worth doing; he could control the midfield on his own if able to get possession.
3. Watch out for set pieces
The Black Stars will have to be wary of the attacking threat that Egypt do pose especially from set pieces.
The Pharoahs have often utilised their superior physical and aerial advantage. Ghana do have plenty of height themselves, especially when they use Mohammed Salisu.
However, they must be vigilant. If Egypt can get themselves in front on Thursday, they will simply sink deeper and deeper, making life much more complicated for Hughton's side.
4. Reward Joseph Paintsil with another start
A little over a year ago, Paintsil was hugely unpopular among fans and seemingly destined to limp out of the team. How the tables have turned.
In Ghana loss to Cape Verde, Paintsil was one of Ghana's brightest spark. He played his heart out and brought some much-needed energy to Ghana's attack.
Paintsil's confidence is understandably high right now and he deserves praise for his massive improvement. He's been a trustworthy forward for the Black Stars lately, and long may it continue.
By: Godfred Budu Yeboah
