Ghana’s Heartbreak: Late Collapse Puts AFCON Exit in Sight. Two-goal lead slips away against Mozambique, leaving Ghana on shaky ground. Controversial penalties, missed opportunities, and a struggling performance raise doubts. Credit to BBC for detailed coverage.”

Ghana’s AFCON Nightmare: Late Goals Crush Two-Goal Lead, Exit Looms.

In a stunning turn of events at AFCON 2023, Ghana faced heartbreak as they conceded two late goals against Mozambique, throwing away a comfortable two-goal lead. The Black Stars, initially in control with two Jordan Ayew penalties, witnessed Geny Catamo and Reinildo Mandava’s late strikes, putting their knockout stage hopes in jeopardy.

Ghana, once cruising towards the last 16, now faces a challenging path to progress, needing a series of favorable results in other groups. The team’s lackluster performance against the Mambas and throughout the tournament has raised concerns about their AFCON journey.

Controversial penalty decisions favored Ghana, but the team failed to capitalize on the lead. The match’s turning point came with Andre Ayew’s unnecessary handball, leading to Catamo’s penalty and Mandava’s subsequent header, sealing Ghana’s fate.

This late collapse adds pressure on coach Chris Hughton, with Ghana’s recent struggles and the possibility of a second consecutive group-stage exit looming large. The four-time champions, once a dominant force, are now winless in their last seven AFCON finals matches, signaling a significant decline.

On the bright side, Mozambique, despite finishing bottom, showcased resilience against heavyweight opponents. Their competitive spirit, highlighted in the match against Egypt, suggests a promising future in AFCON competitions.

Host nation Ivory Coast emerges as an unexpected beneficiary, as Ghana’s stumble improves their chances of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. This AFCON twist underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament.

Credit is acknowledged to the BBC for providing comprehensive coverage of this dramatic AFCON development.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67977897

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