2023 AFCON: Mozambique v Ghana report

2023 AFCON: Mozambique v Ghana report
Antoine Serlom Semenyo of Ghana and referee Mutaz Ibrahim exchange heated words during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match between Mozambique and Ghana at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire on 22 January 2024 ©Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix

by Thando Mpembe

Tuesday Jan 23, 2024. 09:35


Ghana failed to advance from the group stages at the Africa Cup of Nations for the second edition in a row after being held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique in their final Group B match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.


Date: 22 January 2024


Mozambique (0) 2 (Catamo 90+1′ PEN, Mandava 90+4′)

Ghana (1) 2 (J. Ayew 15′ PEN, 70′ PEN)


Mozambique: I. Urrubal, Nanani, Mexer, R. Mandava, B. Langa, A. Amade (E. Pelembe 73′), Nene (S. Ratifo 73′), Witi (Gildo 61′), Guima (Shaquille 87′), G. Catamo, L. King (J. Bonde 87′).


Ghana: R. Ofori, D. Odoi (A. Seidu 72′), A. Djiku, M. Salisu, G. Mensah, S. Abdul Samed, M. Ashimeru (I. Baba 37′), J. Paintsil (A. Ayew 46′), M. Kudus (I. Williams 89′), J. Ayew, A. Semenyo (D. Amartey 72′).


First 45′: The Mambas saw plenty of the ball in the first half, but they struggled to make much of their possession as Chris Hughton’s side sat back after taking an early lead. After Antoine Semenyo had a shot from range tipped over the crossbar by Ivane Urrubal in the opening minute, Joseph Paintsil drew a foul from Nanani inside the area to win a penalty. Jordan Ayew kept his cool from 12 yards out to fire the Black Stars in front on 15 minutes. Mozambique would threaten the opposition goal for the first time on 42 minutes when Witi flashed a shot over the target from distance.


Second 45′: A drama-filled second half saw Richard Ofori look increasingly shaky, although he managed to deny Lau King, Bruno Langa and Alfons Amade early on. Ghana were then awarded a second penalty after Mohammed Kudus’ volley struck Reinildo Mandava on the arm and Ayew stepped up to beat Urrubal once more from the spot. However, Mozambique won a penalty of their own in the final minute when Andre Ayew handled inside the area and Geny Catamo made no mistake from 12 yards out. Ofori then gifted the opposition a corner two minutes later and Mandava capitalised on the mistake to head home a last-gasp equaliser.


What the result means: Ghana finished third in Group B on two points, although their minus-two goal difference means they cannot qualify for the knockout stages ahead of Zambia or Algeria as one of the best third-placed teams.


What’s next: Both the Black Stars and the Mamba will be heading home after exiting the tournament at the first hurdle.









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