Egypt national team head coach Rui Vitoria says he is a big fan of Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus but he is devising plans to stop him when the Pharaohs face the Black Stars at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in a 2023 AFCON Group B game on Thursday, January 18.

Due to a hamstring injury, the West Ham star missed Ghana’s opening game which they surprisingly lost 2-1 to Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14.

It is reported that he is now fully recovered to face Egypt who drew 2-2 with Mozambique in their opening match.

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"I think it’s good for the tournament that the best players play all the games. For me, it’s clear. For me, Mohammed Kudus is a fantastic player, he’s doing well in the English Premier League. I am ready to face that kind of player we are ready for that we will prepare the team for that.” Vitoria told the Press ahead of Thursday’s game.

He also hinted at his team’s preparations to face Kudus in an encounter both teams need to win.

"We will have to control him but not only him because the Ghana team is a very good team and all the players are good, "he noted.

Kudus, 23, has had a blistering start to life in the English Premiership with West Ham following his 30 million Pounds move from Ajax Amsterdam in July 2023.

So far, he has netted six goals in 16 Premier League games for the "Hammers" and has been among their key players.