Afcon 2023: Mozambique 2-2 Ghana – Black Stars set for exit after late collapse

Geny Catamo scored Mozambique’s first from the penalty spot after Andre Ayew’s handball

Mozambique scored twice in second-half stoppage time to almost certainly send Ghana crashing out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage.

The Black Stars looked to be cruising into the last 16 thanks to two Jordan Ayew penalties, one in each half.

But Geny Catamo pulled one back from the spot on 91 minutes before Reinildo Mandava’s header broke Ghana hearts.

Mozambique finish bottom of Group B, while Ghana need a miracle to progress as one of four best third-placed sides.

It is still mathematically possible for Chris Hughton’s side to qualify for the knockout stages but, with just two points to their name, they need a number of results in other groups to go their way.

If they do exit the competition, they can have few complaints, having not only looked lethargic throughout against the Mambas but in their previous outings as well.

When the stoppage-time board went up for six minutes of additional time, the West Africans were heading through as runners-up, leapfrogging Egypt, who were drawing against Cape Verde in Monday night’s other Group B game.

And while the Pharaohs briefly took the lead, they were pegged in the 99th minute in a 2-2 draw – meaning Ghana would have gone through at Egypt’s expense had the Black Stars not capitulated.

More to follow.

Line-upsMozambique

Formation 4-2-3-1

22Oficial Urrubal

2da Conceição David Matola17Sitóe15Isnard Mandava5Langa

16Amade4Jone

20Cipriano Catamo21Martins Guimarães19Quembo

9Há King

Substitutes

Ghana

Formation 4-2-3-1

1Ofori

3Odoi23Djiku6Salisu14Mensah

8Ashimeru21Abdul Samed

13Paintsil20Kudus9J Ayew

25Semenyo

Substitutes

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