World Cup: Bob Bradley's Egypt demolished 6-1 by Ghana in first leg of African qualifying playoff

Bob Bradley at Egypt training

Bob Bradley and Egypt will need a miracle to make the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.


Ghana trounced Egypt 6-1 on Tuesday in the first leg of their African World Cup qualifying playoff, virtually booking a ticket to Brazil barring a five-goal win by Egypt in the second leg. 


The Black Stars, who also eliminated Bradley's USMNT during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead through Asamoah Gyan (5th min.) and an own-goal by Wael Gomaa (22nd minute), capitalizing on two of the numerous turnovers by the visiting Egyptians.



Mohamed Aboutrika gave Egypt hope when he converted a 41st-minute penalty kick to reduce the deficit to 2-1, only for Ghana to re-establish their two-goal advantage a minute before the break through forward Majeed Waris.


Egypt were unable to mount a response in the second half and the Black Stars overpowered them with another three goals – a Gyan header (53'), a Sulley Muntari penalty kick (72') and a Christian Atso blast (89') – to seal the 6-1 final.


The second leg is set for Cairo on Nov. 19.