A pulsating encounter at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium on Thursday saw seven-time AFCON champions Egypt roar back from a deficit to draw 2-2 with Ghana, despite losing their talisman Mohamed Salah to injury early on. Kudus struck just before halftime, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot outside the box that left Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy helpless, with no chance. The goal came a minute after the Pharaohs lost their skipper Mo Salah to a muscle injury. However, Egypt refused to succumb. Fueled by the hot Ivorian sun and a determined desire to salvage the game, the Pharaohs dominated possession in the second half. Omar Marmoush almost equalized in 55th minute but his shot rattled off the crossbar, denied by a diving Richard Ofori in the Ghanaian goal. The equalizer eventually arrived in the 69th minute, courtesy of a defensive lapse by Ghana. Marmoush latched onto a weak backpass, rounded Ofori, and tucked the ball home to draw Egypt level. The level scoreline for Egypt was short-lived, with Kudus regaining the lead for Ghana in the 71st minute with a well-placed left-footed shot into the bottom corner. Yet, Egypt's fighting spirit remained unbroken. In the 74th minute, substitute Mahmoud Trézéguet dispossessed Osman Bukari in the Ghanaian penalty area and laid the ball off for Mostafa Mohamed, who calmly slotted home to level the score for the second time. The result leaves Cape Verde at the top of Group B after their opening match victory against Ghana. Egypt sits in second place with two points from consecutive draws, having previously drawn 1-1 with Mozambique. Ghana, at the bottom with one point after two games, faces an uncertain path to the knockout stage. Mozambique holds the third position and will play against group leaders Cape Verde on Friday. Ghana's inability to hold onto leads twice against Egypt highlights their struggles at the competition, having now failed to win any of their last six AFCON matches.