Ghana beats Egypt by 3 goals as they prepare for AFCON

Ghana warmed up for next week's Africa Cup of Nations by beating seven-time continent      champions Egypt 3-0 in a friendly in Abu Dhabi.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu opened the scoring for the Black Stars in the first half, before Richard Boakye and Asamoah Gyan added goals after the break.

There were some concerns for Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah though, after midfielder Anthony Annan was forced off with an injury in the first half.

Ghana, the second favourites for the Nations Cup behind Ivory Coast, open their Group B campaign against DR Congo on 20 January as the 2012 semi-finalists seek their first Nations Cup win since 1982.

The Black Stars - who were playing an Egypt side who have lacked competitive football since the suspension of their league last February - will also face Mali and Niger in host nation South Africa.