Mozambique scored two late goals to secure a 2-2 draw against Ghana that also saw the Black Stars lose out on an AFCON Last 16 spot.
The Black Stars were all but certain of progression to the knockout stages after being 2-0 up until the 90th minute.
But Mozambique scored two goals in referees’ optional time to spoil the party for the four-time CAF Champions. They finish third in group B with two points, which might not be enough to see them through. Both nations came with one point apiece and needed a win to go through to the last 16.
Meanwhile, Cape Verde finished top of the group following a 2-2 draw against Egypt, who finished second. Both nations are through to the knockout stages.
GHANA FUMBLE A CHANCE TO GO THROUGH TO THE AFCON LAST 16
The Ghanaians were awarded what looked like a soft penalty in the 13th minute. Mozambique defender Infren Matola was adjudged to have fouled Joseph Paintsil inside the 18-area box. Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew did not disappoint from the spot kick, scoring his first goal of the tournament.
Ghana were dealt a huge blow 10 minutes before the break when Majeed Ashimeru was forced to leave the field due to an injury. The Anderlecht midfielder was replaced by Iddrisu Baba.
Despite the fightback by the Mozambique team, the two nations went into the halftime time break at 1-0 in favour of Ghana.
RECORD EQUALING APPEARANCE FOR ANDRE AYEW
Ghana’s captain, Andre Ayew, came in for the injured Joseph Paintsil in the second half and equalled the AFCON record for the most appearances at the competition.
The 34-year-old made his 36th appearance in AFCON history, a feat only achieved by current Cameroon head coach Rigobert Song. It’s also his eighth CAF tournament.
Ghana were awarded a second penalty late in the second half after Renildo Mandava was adjudged to have handled the ball in the 18 area. Jordan Ayew converted his second of the match to double the lead.
But drama began when Andre Ayew handled the ball inside the 18-area, which saw the Mambas awarded a penalty. Geny Cipriano converted in the first minute of the referees’ optional time to make it 2-1. There was more drama in the end when Mozambique found the equaliser through Renildo Mandava. Both nations finished the group stages with two points each.
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