The Black Stars and the Pharoahs have met 20 times in the past in both official and friendly matches with the Pharaohs winning 10 of the matches.

Coach Kwesi Appiah is confident as he lines up his team for their first match for the year against Egypt on Thursday in preparation towards this month's Africa Cup of Nations which comes up on the 19th January, 2013.

The Black Stars will meet the Pharaohs in Abu Dhabi in the first of two arranged friendly match - next game is against Tunisia on Sunday - for the team. The match will kick off at 9:00pm local time (1700 GMT).

Coach Kwesi Appiah believes that Ghana is playing two perfect friendly matches before the Nations Cup starts this month.

Ghana has beaten Egypt five times with five matches ending in draws.

The first game against Egypt, seven-time Nations Cup winners who failed to make this year's finals will give Kwesi.

Appiah a great chance to look at the squad in action for the first time since Ghana started preparations at the Zayed Sport City complex Saturday morning.

Read also http://en.africatopsports.com/2013/01/04/afcon-2013-black-stars-depart-friday-to-begin-camping/