The Mambas of Mozambique held the Black Stars of Ghana to a 2-2 draw at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, giving up a late lead for the second time in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
Ghana’s greatest losing streak at the AFCON (seven games, D4, L3) was prolonged by the draw. In their last 12 games (D6 L5), Ghana has only triumphed once, defeating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the 2019 group stage.
Ghana finished the group stage with two points, which has never been sufficient for a team to move up to the top four third-place teams in the past.
After Crystal Palace winger Jordan Ayew scored a brace from the penalty spot just before halftime, Ghana seemed to be sailing into the round of 16. However, Ghana broke late in the second half under increasing pressure from The Mamba.
First, Mozambique scored from the penalty kick after captain Andre Ayew was found to have handled the ball in the penalty box. Geny Catama scored for Mozambique.
After goalie Richard Ofori mishandled an attempt, Mozambique was awarded a corner kick, which they used to equalize the score. In the fourth minute of additional time, Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo Mandava, who was also at fault for Ghana’s second penalty, reached the highest point to head beyond Ofori.
