Ghana’s hopes crumble in a stunning late collapse, marking a dramatic turn of events in their AFCON journey.
The Black Stars faced a disheartening turn of events in their Group B match against Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations, surrendering a two-goal lead and drawing 2-2 in stoppage time. Jordan Ayew’s penalty kicks in each half gave the Black Stars a seemingly comfortable lead.
However, Mozambique made a dramatic comeback, with Geny Catamo converting a penalty in the 91st minute, followed by Reinildo Mandava’s header in the dying moments, shattering Ghana’s hopes of securing a win.
The penalty decisions that favored Ghana were subject to controversy, as Mozambique vehemently contested both calls. Despite Mozambique’s appeals, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) upheld the decisions, contributing to The Black Stars’ early lead. The Black Stars’ lack of urgency and subpar performance, especially in open play, allowed Mozambique to create better chances throughout the match.
Ghana’s vulnerability became apparent when Andre Ayew’s handball resulted in Catamo’s penalty, providing Mozambique with a lifeline.
In a stunning turn of events, Mandava’s header eluded Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori, sealing Mozambique’s comeback. The draw leaves The Black Stars with only two points and facing an uncertain path to progression in the tournament.
The late collapse intensifies the scrutiny on Ghana’s head coach, Chris Hughton, who already faced criticism for the team’s recent struggles. With just one win in their last eight matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations and other competitions, Ghana finds itself in a precarious position. The disappointment in this edition mirrors their previous struggles, having exited the 2021 AFCON in the group stage with only one point.
On the positive side, Mozambique showcased resilience and competitiveness, proving they can contend with African football powerhouses. While finishing at the bottom of Group B, Mozambique’s performances against strong opponents like Egypt and Ghana suggest potential for future success in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast benefits from this result, as their chances of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams brighten following Ghana’s stumble. The unpredictability of AFCON continues to captivate fans, with Mozambique’s spirited display adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament.
To read more stories like this, click sports.