Ghana’s chances at AFCON 2023 were virtually dashed when they let slip a two-goal advantage in stoppage time against Mozambique on Monday. Crystal Palace winger Jordan Ayew successfully converted penalties in both halves, giving the Black Stars a seemingly comfortable two-goal lead as the clock ticked past 90 minutes. How Ghana Throws Away a Two-Goal Lead remains a shocker.
In the other Group B match, Cape Verde, already qualified as group winners, and Egypt drew 2-2. A victory for Ghana would have secured their spot, but Mozambique mounted a comeback. Goals from Geny Catamo (from the third penalty of the game) and Reinildo Mandava, earned them a point. This result left four-time champions Ghana teetering on the edge of a second consecutive AFCON group-stage exit.
Chances of Qualification to the Next Round
With just two points, Ghana must rely on an unlikely sequence of results in the remaining groups to qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams. Confirmation of Ghana’s exit will occur on Tuesday if Gambia and Cameroon do not draw in Group C.
Chris Hughton’s Job on the Edge after Ghana Throws Away a Two-Goal Lead
The anxiety on the face of Ghana coach Chris Hughton before kick-off was understandable. Following a 2026 World Cup qualifying loss to minnows the Comoros last November, calls for the dismissal of the former Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion boss intensified. Losing their opening group match to lower-ranked Cape Verde added pressure to the 65-year-old in his first Cup of Nations.
Game Analysis
Although a draw with seven-time champions Egypt offered a glimmer of hope, the Black Stars needed a win against Mozambique to secure third place and likely progression to the knockout stage. Palace’s Ayew contributed to this hope by calmly converting a penalty in the 15th minute, awarded for a foul on Joseph Paintsil by Nanani.
However, Ghana faced adversity when midfielder Majeed Ashimeru sustained an injury in the 37th minute, leading to his stretchered-off departure and Iddrisu Baba taking his place. Coach Hughton responded by introducing veteran Andre Ayew, older brother of Jordan, before halftime, with Paintsil benched.
Mozambique, realizing that only a win could save them from elimination, attacked consistently in the second half. Despite this, it was Jordan Ayew who once again calmly converted a penalty in the second half after Atletico Madrid full-back Reinildo handled the ball.
The game took a dramatic turn with Mozambique’s comeback through goals from Catamo and Reinildo, leaving Ghana on the brink of elimination from the tournament.
THE COSTLY ERROR
Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a crucial error by conceding a late corner that led to the equalizing goal. In a moment when there was no pressure and Mandava’s shot seemed destined for a harmless goal kick, Ofori attempted to parry the ball but ended up fumbling it, ultimately leading to the decisive corner. While Ghana’s defense during the set piece that allowed Mozambique to equalize was subpar, Ofori’s ill-fated intervention played a pivotal role in the situation that could have been entirely avoided.