Egypt s midfielder #8 Emam Ashour (R) kicks the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group B football match between Egypt and Mozambique at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024. AFP
The Pharaohs' lackluster display in their opening game against Mozambique, where they allowed their opponents to take a 2-1 lead until injury time when Mohamed Salah's penalty rescued them, has left fans frustrated and doubting their chances of winning the African title they last held in 2010.
Vitoria has faced criticism for his selection choices against Mozambique and hinted at possible squad reshuffling against Ghana.
"We may make some changes to the squad, not solely based on our performance against Mozambique, but because each game has its own requirements," Vitoria told the pre-match news conference on Wednesday.
Stars as Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Elneny, and Ahmed 'Zizo' Sayed appeared far from their usual form against Mozambique, and the defense displayed a poor performance, allowing their opponents to score twice and pose numerous threats.
"We made a lot of mistakes against Mozambique, and we cannot afford such mistakes against Ghana," Vitoria added.
"Ghana are a strong team, and our mission against them will not be easy. However, we must win, and I have full confidence in my players' ability to achieve this victory."
The Pharaohs are desperate for a win, as another setback could complicate their situation in the group, currently led by Cape Verde with three points.
"We understand the significance of the game against Ghana, as there is no alternative but to win," emphasized Egypt's goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shennawy, on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Ghana is also desperate for a win after their surprising 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde in the group opener.
Unlike Egypt, the Black Stars conceded a late goal, resulting in their loss.
A second straight defeat in Group B would leave Ghana staring at the prospect of being eliminated in the first round, just as they were at the last AFCON in Cameroon in 2022.
The Black Stars have been African champions four times, but the last of those titles came in 1982.
"The players must understand the significance of the loss," Ghana coach Chris Hughton told the pre-match news conference.
"The game against Egypt will be highly competitive, and we have no choice but to ensure a positive result."
Hughton is hopeful that forward Mohammed Kudus, who has had a fine season with West Ham United in the English Premier League, will be fit to play against the Pharaohs.
"Mohammed Kudus joined the camp later than anyone else due to an injury sustained in his last game for West Ham," Hughton explained.
"We will continue to assess him. He has trained in the last few days, but we will make a decision tomorrow."
Kudus' participation would provide a boost to Hughton, especially considering the underwhelming performance of his frontline against Cape Verde.
Egypt and Ghana have faced each other four times in the Nations Cup, including three meetings in the group stages.
Each team has secured a victory, and they drew in their third encounter.
The most memorable match was the 2010 final, where the Pharaohs defeated the Black Stars 1-0, clinching the title.
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