Ghana On The Brink Of AFCON Exit After Mozambique Draw

Posted by: Eninu William in African Football January 23, 2024

Ghana are facing elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations after conceding twice in added time to draw 2-2 with Mozambique in their final Group B game on Monday. Crystal Palace winger Jordan Ayew converted penalties in each half. The Black Stars appeared to be cruising to victory with a two-goal lead as the clock passed 90 minutes.

Cape Verde, who had already qualified as group winners, and Egypt drew 2-2 in the other Group B match, which would have put Ghana through with a win. However, goals from Geny Catamo, with the third penalty of the game, and Reinildo Mandava gave Mozambique a point. This left four-time champions Ghana on the cusp of a second straight AFCON group-stage exit.

With just two points, four-time champions Ghana will need an unlikely series of results. This is in the four remaining groups to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The Black Star’s exit will be confirmed on today, Tuesday if Gambia and Cameroon fail to draw in Group C.

The anxiety on the face of Ghana coach Chris Hughton before kick-off was understandable. A 2026 World Cup qualifying loss to minnows the Comoros last November had heightened calls for the dismissal of the ex-Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion boss. Losing their opening group match in the Ivory Coast to lower-ranked Cape Verde only added to the pressure.

A draw with record seven-time champions Egypt after leading twice raised hopes that the Black Stars could still progress. Hughton and his team knew that, at worst, victory over Mozambique would secure third place and probable qualification for the knockout stage. Those hopes grew stronger after 15 minutes when Palace’s Ayew calmly converted a penalty. This was awarded for a foul on Joseph Paintsil by Nanani.

Ghana suffered a blow on 37 minutes when injured midfielder Majeed Ashimeru was carried off on a stretcher. Iddrisu Baba took on his place. Hughton also introduced veteran Andre Ayew, older brother of Jordan, before half-time with Paintsil benched.

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