The dream is over for some countries at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Five teams have been eliminated from the tournament as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Ghana have officially crashed out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars’s early exit was confirmed after the
Indomitable Lions of Cameroon came from behind to beat Gambia.
Ghana were hoping the Group C fixture would end in a draw to
keep alive their chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams
with two points.
But Cameroon, who had a point prior to the game took their
tally to 4 following the win and moved to second place while Guinea, who were
on 4, slipped to third after a defeat to group winners Senegal.
Ghana’s exit from AFCON 2023 is their third consecutive
group stage exit in their last three tournaments.
Ghana vs Mozambique rundown
The Black Stars of Ghana were held to a 2-2 draw by
Mozambique.
Jordan Ayew opened the scoring for Ghana 15 minutes into the
game by converting from the penalty spot.
Ayew continued to impress and he got another chance to
increase Ghana’s lead with his second penalty goal of the match.
Mozambique, on the other hand, turned the tables on Ghana in
the closing minutes.
Mozambique ignited hopes when Geny Catamo scored a penalty
kick in the 91st minute, and just moments later, Reinidlo Mandava completed the
comeback with a goal in the 94th minute to secure a draw for his team.
With the disappointing draw, Ghana are placed third place in
Group B with two points, and will now have to wait for a miracle to progress as
one of four best third-placed sides in the AFCON.
Algeria
No one saw this coming. The 2019 champions spectacularly crashed out of this year's Africa Cup of Nations after finishing bottom of Group D.
They only needed a draw against Mauritania in their final group match for them to advance to the round of 16. The Almoravids had other ideas, though, as they recorded their first-ever AFCON win, per CAF.
They sent the Fennecs packing with a 1-0 victory.
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau crashed out of the tournament after finishing bottom of Group A.
Djurtus failed to score a single point in this year’s AFCON, losing their matches against Ivory Coast (2-0), Equatorial Guinea (4-2), and Nigeria (1-0).
Mozambique
The Mambas failed to reach the round of 16 after they finished bottom of Group B. They recorded two draws and one loss in the group stage to finish the tournament with two points.
They ended their tournament with a bang, though, scoring two late goals against Ghana to deny the Black Stars a spot in the round of 16.
Gambia
The Scorpions had a disappointing campaign at AFCON 2023.
They failed to score a single point in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, losing all of their group matches against Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea.
Gambia came close to qualifying for the round of 16, taking a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute of their match against Cameroon. They couldn’t hold on to that advantage, though, with the Indomitable Lions nabbing two late goals.