FT: Egypt 2-1 Ghana; Black Stars qualify for Brazil

Its all over. The Ivorian referee whistles to bring the game to an end  Ghana is in Brazil. The Pharoahs remain in Cairo.

1747 Ghana pulls one back and its the Kevin Prince Boateng who knocks in from close range. Great pass on the right by Gyan. Goal

1742 Mohammed Gedo gets Egypt’s second from close range. It is still not enough for the Pharoahs who have given their all.

1737 Kevin Prince Boateng comes in for Majeed Warris for the last 12 minutes of the game. It is the Schalke FC player first appearance in as many years. One of the most maligned players of the Stars.

1733 Fatau Dauda again saves the blushes of the Black Stars virtually taking the ball away from the foot of Aboutrieka.

1732 Muntari is out for Ghana and gets a yellow for walking out instead of running out. Agyemang Badu come in for him. Egypt are in desperate search for another goal but the Ghana defence appear resolote for the time being.

1725 Ghana make a rare attack at goal as Gyan lays on a pass to Harrison Afful on the right just at the edge of the 18 yard box but the Esperance player hesitates to whip the cross in and wins a corner for Ghana nonetheless.

1721 Ghana win a free kick just at the edge of the 18 yard box. Muntari elects to take it and he whips one in which whisks just wide.

1720 Egypt make their third and final substitution. Amr Zakr is out for Shikabala.

1716 Aboutrieka goes in for a sublime kick in the vital area of the Stars but the kick goes just wide. Superb team performance by the Egyptians.

1715 Dede Ayew is down after a knock. He asks to be replaced. Wakasu getting ready to come in. He comes in.

1708 Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan tries a shot on his weaker left foot and an easy save for the Egyptian goal keeper. Sallah makes a quick counter but his shot also goes wide.

1705 The second half is back on and Egypt win a corner seconds after  getting the half under way. Corner well defended.

1648 Its Half Time

1647 Fatau Dauda again to the rescue of Ghana as he makes a good save from a shot by an Egyptian attacker.

1640 Mohammed Gedo comes in to shore up the Egypt attack. A good tactical switch for the Egyptians.

1630 Muntari has blood gushing out  from his shin after a strong Egyptian tackle. He returns.

1625 Egypt open the scoring and its Amr Zakr header from a howler by Fatau Dauda.

1621 Egypt are on fire. They win another corner and pound the Ghana goal area in desperate search for the opener. Fatau Dauda defends well and makes a gallant save.

1614 A sweet build up by Egypt cuts open the Ghana defence but Fatau Dauda makes a roaring run from his goal and saves a sticky situation but gets injured in the process and Egypt wins a corner. Corner taken but well defended.

1609 Egypt wins a free-kick as Zakr gets tripped from behind by Sulley 30 yards away from goal. Aboutrieka takes the kick but it goes just wide.

1606 Ghana gets the best opportunity at goal as Warris runs at the Egypt defence, gets into firing range and fires. His shot whisks just wide.

1604 The atmosphere is electric. lazer lights flashing from the stance in the faces of the players. Ghana win a free-kick. Taken by Muntari but wasted.

1600 Egypt set game underway and they are on fire. Amr Zakr fires first shot at goal but goal keeper Fatau Dauda makes an easy grab.

1558 Both teams exchange pleasantries. Ghana are in white apparel and an uncharacteristic red shorts.

1552 The two teams line up for anthem. Ghana anthem goes first. Egyptian anthem follows.

1550: Both teams have filed onto the pitch.

The Black Stars of Ghana are on the verge of booking a place in Brazil as they face the Pharoahs of Egypt in the second leg World Cup qualifying playoffs. The Pharoahs have an uphill task of overturning a 6-1 deficit against a free scoring Ghana side and they need a miracle to do that. The Air Defence Stadium in Cairo will soon witness what may well be the biggest encounter for the Egyptian side. Myjoyonline.com will bring you up to the minute live update on the cliffhanger.