If there are two sides at the Under-20 World Cup that know everything about
each other it is Ghana and Egypt.
In the last six months they have clashed five times - four of those were
friendlies and their last meeting was in the semi-finals of the Under-20
Nations Cup in Ethiopia last March.

As the two sides prepare for their showdown in Cordoba in Argentina, Egypt
have the edge with three victories to Ghana's two.

At the Nations Cup, Egypt were keen contenders and Ghana the hot favourites.
The game travelled into extra-time and penalty shoot-out after it had
finished 1-1 in full time.

In fact this semi-final has the shades of what could have been the ideal
African Under-20 final at Ethiopia.

But Cordoba now offers the perfect stage for both sides to fight for
superiority for a place in the final.

Improving Ghana

Ghana have improved with every match in this competition and their
convincing win over a phenomenal Brazilian side has swept their torrid
preparations for the tournament under the carpet.

New stars are emerging in the Ghanaian side from round to round.

Derrick Boateng captivated the fans in Mar del Plata where Ghana dominated a
group that included France, Iran and the Paraguayans who play Argentina in
the other semi-final.

Defender John Mensah has become the star in his department after scoring two
crucial goals that knocked out Brazil and Ecuador.

Ghana glitter with individual skill, but Egypt are more technically gifted
and have solid team work.

Two sharp strikers, Mohamed El Yamany and Gamal Hamza could be a thorn in
the Ghanaian defence, while Wael Reyad will renew his battles in midfield
with Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari.

Egyptian coach Shawky Gharib arrived in Cordoba on Monday with his squad
only to hear that the Ghanaians have won the hearts of the fans in the city,
but he doesn't seem to be bothered, although that will be an important
factor for the West Africans.

This will be a balanced affair and full of fireworks and what is important
is that Africa is guaranteed a place in the final to clinch the trophy for
the first time ever.

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