Ghana and Uganda bring Egypt’s ticket to Russia closer

CAIRO – 07 October 2017:

Ghana lost its last chance for qualifying to the 2018 World Cup in Russia after it ended its match against Uganda with a goalless draw at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.

The two teams needed nothing but victory if they were to keep their chances of making it to Russia.

This score makes Egypt one step closer to Russia, as it has to win its match against Congo on Sunday in order to officially qualify to the World Cup after 28 years of waiting.

The referee was the protagonist of the African clash, as he disallowed two true goals for Ghana by virtue of offsides and another penalty appeal waved away.

Cheering for Ghana is strange for Egyptians, who have been avoiding the West African team, with whom they experienced nightmares in World Cup qualifications in 2009 and 2013, as Ghana kicked Egypt out of the competition in both tournaments after it was too close from reaching the ultimate dream.

Egypt hosts whipping boys Congo on Sunday, where a win would crush any remaining chance Ghana may have of making it to Russia in 2018.

Attempting to end long years of false hopes, Egypt has nine points in the group, one ahead of Uganda and three ahead of Ghana.

The Pharaohs haven’t qualified to the World Cup since 1990, when the team took part in the 14th tournament, which was held in Italy.