Minnow Mozambique End Ghana’s Adventure in Côte d’Ivoire 

Two late goals in added time last night denied Ghana’s Black Stars passage to the last 16 Round of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire as the 2-2 draw with Mozambique has left the former champions with just two points from three matches. 

The draw was also a lifeline for hosts Côte d’Ivoire who finished third in Group A with three points and now stand to benefit as one of the four best third placed teams to qualify for the Round of 16.

Jordan Ayew struck two penalties in regular time to temporarily push the Black Stars to the second spot of Group B above Egypt in third place and without hope of making it to the knockout. 

But in what appears Ghana’s repeat of their demise against Comoros at Cameroon 2021, the Black Stars allowed Mozambique to fightback with two goals  in added time to level 2-2 and dent their hopes.

Geny Catamo’s penalty and Reinildo Mandawa’s header in the dying seconds from a corner kick caused by goalkeeper  Richard Ofori ensured that the Black Stars are Accra-bound by this afternoon. 

Cape Verde topped the Group on seven points while Egypt that drew 2-2 with Cape Verde on the night of drama sneaked into the next stage as runners up on three points. Ghana who are tied on two points with Mozambique stand no chance of benefiting from the lottery of third placed teams.