Ghana failed to keep a two-gal lead and were held to a 2-2 draw by Uruguay yet advanced in the U-20 World Cup as Group D winners.

Both sides secured their places in the round of the 16 before the kick-off and clashed in search for the top spot. Ghana, level on seven points with Uruguay, finished on top due to their better goal difference.

Cheered by some 11 thousand Egyptian supporters and tens of their compatriots, Ghana players had the upper hand through out the game despite waiting till the second period to break the deadlock.

A powerful strike from Mohamed Rabiu from the edge of the area gave Ghana the lead in the 54th minute.

Ransford Osei's header stretched the lead in the 70th minute as Ghana looked en route to their third victory in the competition.

Andre Ayew, brother of Zamalek's Rahim Ayew and son of Ghana great Abedi Pele, had the lion's share of the crowd cheers after putting in a fine display.

Nicolas Lodeiro pulled one back with a close-range strike in the 74th minute and Uruguay chances of leveling the score became even better one minute later when Rabiu received his marching orders.

Uruguay capitalized on the numerical advantage, with energetic striker Abel Hernandez scoring the equalizer in the dying seconds.

Ghana will play one of the third-placed teams from Groups B, E, or F while Uruguay will face Group E winners.