Ghana on brink of 2023 AFCON group stage elimination after late collapse vs Mozambique.
In a stunning turn of events, Ghana squandered a two-goal lead in stoppage time, allowing Mozambique to mount a comeback and secure a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
That was their final group game of the 2023 AFCON, with the draw putting the Black Stars of Ghana on brink of group stage elimination.
After finishing third in Group B, the Black Stars might face an uncertain progression fate with their two-point haul in the race for four best third-placed team spots.
Ghana, facing the prospect of consecutive AFCON group stage exits, showed early attacking intent with Antoine Semenyo testing Ivane Urrubal’s goalkeeping skills inside the opening minute of the match.
The breakthrough came when Joseph Paintsil earned a penalty, converted by captain Jordan Ayew to give Ghana an early lead.
The second half saw André Ayew’s introduction, making him the all-time AFCON appearance leader.
Despite his caution and Mozambique’s attempts to rally, another penalty awarded to Ghana saw Jordan Ayew extend Ghana’s lead to put the Black Stars in a promising position for a spot in the last-16.
Mozambique, seemingly down and out, found hope when Geny Catamo scored from the peanlty spot in the 1st minute of time added on after the 90′.
In a shocking turn, Ghana’s fate took a final twist as Reinildo leveled the score with a well-timed header in the closing seconds to force a 2-2 draw and sink the opposition hopes of survival.
After the thrilling encounter, Ghana finishes group B with a two-point total, combined with Egypt’s equally dramatic 2-2 darw vs Cape Verde in the group’s other match, means the Black Stars are third on the log with serious doubts about their progression to the next stage of the tournament.
