Goalkeeper Ekrami to start in Ghana playoff

Al Ahly goalkeeper Sharif Ekrami will start in the post for Egypt when they face Ghana in the 2014 World Cup qualifying playoffs in Kumasi next month, GHANAsoccernet.com can reveal.

Egypt goalkeepers' coach Zaki Abdel-Fattah says he will choose in-form for African giants Al Ahly to face the Black Stars in the first-leg of the decisive clash.

Pharaohs football fans have been arguing for experienced Sudan-based goalkeeper Essam El Hadary to start in the match against the tough Ghana side.

But the Egypt goalkeepers' coach Abdel-Fattah says will he continue to use Ekrami as his first choice goalkeeper because of his outstanding recent form having excelling by taking Al Ahly to the semi-finals of the African Champions League.

"The goalkeeper for the Egyptian team against Ghana will be Sharif Ekrami," Egypt goalkeepers' coach Abdel-Fattah said on Egyptian television.

"It's not just because of his participation in the last three games for the team in the playoffs, but his brilliance with Al Ahly that led them to qualify for the semi-finals of the African Champions League."

Egypt’s last competitive game against Ghana saw them beat the Black Stars 1-0 to win the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.

Ghana crushed Egypt 3-0 in a friendly game last January in the United Arab Emirates.

The Pharaohs are eyeing their first World Cup appearance since 1990 while Ghana are seeking to reach the tournament for the third consecutive time, having reached the quarter finals in their last appearance in 2010.