The ‘tug-of-war’ over the years in football rivalry continues as Egypt and Ghana battle for a slot to Russia 2018.

Sunday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier in Alexandria revive another rivalry between Africa’s football giants in what potential could be the cracker between who makes it to Russia 2018.

Ghana drew goalless at home to Uganda while Egypt snatched all the maximum three points against Congo in Kinshasa to top Group E.

A win for Ghana will see the Black Stars move top of the group as they move closer to the dream of a fourth consecutive World Cup with Egypt needing a point to stay top of the group depending on what happens between Uganda and Congo in Kampala.

Battle between both sides have always been entertaining and doubtful to predict since the first time they met on November 13, 1959 in Olympic qualifiers both home and away. That duel ended 3-2 on aggregate but there have been 23 matches between both sides since then.

Ghana qualified for her third successive World Cup appearance at Brazil '14 defeating Egypt in a play-off  by 6-1 thriller at the Baba Yara stadium and returned in favour of Egypt in the 2nd leg in Cairo, 2-1 as it ended 7-3 on aggregate in a watershed anti-government protests to toppled former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to pick the ticket for brazil 2014.

Egypt fans are known to be among the most passionate in Africa as they are eager to troop and occupy the Borg El Arab stadium in Alexandria.

In total, 24 games have been played between the two teams over the years with Egypt edging out Ghana on number of wins. The Black Stars have won seven games, drawn six and lost eleven against the Pharaohs.

Head-to-head record: 24 games

Ghana won 7

Goals scored 31

Egypt won 11

Goals scored 36

Draw 6

Players to watch

Egypt and Ghana have some of the continent’s best players and quite a few will be on show on match day. Mohammed Sallah is Egypt's main man and a threat to the Ghana defence. Sallah usually plays from the flanks of attack which allows him room to cut back and unleash havoc.

Black Stars will do well to shut him down and stop him from supplying Basem Morsy pinpoint crosses.

Ghana will welcome back Deputy skipper Andre Ayew to the fold after missing the game against Uganda due to injury. The former Swansea man is enjoying a new lease of life in Westham United under coach Slaven Bilic and seems to have rediscovered his form after the long injury he sustained.

13th November will be 57 years since Black Stars played their first match Against Egypt.

By : Sadat Apusi

Credit: Akakpo Kakai / Bright Yaboah Taylor ( Ashh Fm)