The Black Stars of Ghana would be out for revenge when they take on the Pharaohs of Egypt in the 2017 African Cup of Nations tonight.

Ghana, already qualified for the quarter final stage of the competition, could knock out the 7 time African Champions with a victory and favourable results in the other group game.

Egypt beat Ghana 2-0 last November in World Cup qualifying, all but knocking the Stars out of qualifying with just two games played.

Already qualified Ghana could exact a small measure of revenge with a victory in the crunch Group D game, which could lead to the Pharaohs joining defending champions Cote d’Ivoire in packing bag and baggage for home early.

This would be the team’s sternest test yet, having brushed aside both Uganda and Mali with ease, despite conceding many chances to either side, especially in the second half of games. Yet it comes at a strange time when, with qualification sealed, we would still go through with a loss.

It’s not quite clear how seriously the team, or even manager Grant, would be taking this game, having already sealed qualification to the next stage. There could be a balancing act to be made between resting players for the next round and exacting revenge on a major rival, and coach Grant’s choice of starting line up would tell us a lot on where the team’s priorities lie.

Egypt require a win or a draw to definitively qualify, whilst they could still go through with a loss if the other game ends in a draw or a win for Uganda.

The Black Stars might be tempted to rest on their laurels in this game, but Ghanaians require revenge for our recent painful loss in Cairo, and the team better deliver. Besides, losing twice in a row to one team is not good preparation for a team we might meet again – either in the final or later in world cup qualifying.

Ghana vrs Egypt kicks of at 1900 GMT tonight, at the same time as Uganda vrs Mali. The winners of the group would face Morocco in the quarter finals whilst the runner-up would face Congo DR.