By Mark Gleeson
ABIDJAN – Mozambique scored two goals in the stoppage time to hold Ghana to a 2-2 draw in their Group B clash at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, a result that is likely to end the challenge of the much-fancied west Africans.
Two penalties from Jordan Ayew had Ghana comfortably ahead and looking well-placed to finish second in the group behind the Cape Verde Islands, but a late rally handed Mozambique a share of the spoils.
It was not enough for Mozambique, who finished bottom of the group, but only behind Ghana on goal difference.
Two points from three matches is not likely to be enough for Ghana to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of the four best third-placed finishers.
Ghana will have to wait for the conclusion of the first-round matches on Wednesday before knowing their fate but at previous tournaments, two points have proven insufficient to progress as one of the lucky losers.
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“We didn’t play at the level we could have, our energy levels we’re not up where they should be,” Ghana coach Chris Hughton said.
“When you are 2-0 up you don’t expect to concede like we did. We put ourselves in peril when we had to make sure of securing the result.”
Libyan referee Mutaz Ibrahim awarded three penalties in the game, all for handballs.
Jordan Ayew netted the first in the 15th minute and then a second after 70 minutes following a decision that seemed harsh on Mozambique centre-back Reinildo, who had an outstanding game.
Dede Ayew, who had come on at halftime for a record 37th Cup of Nations finals appearance, was then caught out for a handball one minute into stoppage time, suddenly offering Mozambique the possibility of a comeback.
Geny Catamo converted the kick and then three minutes later swung in the corner that Reinildo headed home to secure the equaliser.
Ghana, who were one of five African teams at the last World Cup and coached by former Premier League manager Hughton, have looked unconvincing throughout their three games in the Ivory Coast, which included a surprise loss to the Cape Verde Islands in their first match.
Cape Verde topped the group on seven points and Egypt were second on three, having drawn all their games 2-2.
Ghana coach Hughton back in firing line as exit looks imminent
The stalemate has also seen Ghana coach Chris Hughton getting in the firing line on Monday after their participation at the Africa Cup of Nations looked to be at an end after a third group game without a win.
Ghana was on course for a top-two finish in Group B with a 2-0 lead over Mozambique in their last match at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium but conceded two goals in stoppage time to draw 2-2 and finish third.
But with only two points from their matches Ghana are unlikely to take one of the berths in the last 16 and will have to wait until Wednesday to know whether they get one of the spots reserved for four of the best third-placed finishers.
“Things are very raw right now,” he said after the match as Ghana reporters demanded to know whether he would be fired or resign. There is a commotion outside. It’s an angry place at the moment,” he added as the Ghana players walked through a gauntlet of abuse in the media mixed zone. But when you are unable to see the game through, it becomes very difficult. Our performances have not been good. We played three games, conceded two goals in each game and have ourselves in a difficult situation.”
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Hughton, who was attacked by an angry fan last week after Ghana’s defeat in their opening group game against the Cape Verde Islands, the smallest of the 24 countries at the tournament in the Ivory Coast, said he took responsibility for the results.
“We had a group of players that really wanted to do well but the performance and results in these three games were not good enough. My impact on the team can only be judged by the results.
“This was the best opportunity we had to do well. We’ve had the players for a long period now to train together and we anticipated we would grow stronger the longer we went in the competition, but the fact is we haven’t. My assessment of my results is that they haven’t been good enough.”
Hughton said he was as angry and frustrated as any of the Ghanaian supporters.
“Anything past this moment is not for me to talk about,” he added when asked whether he thought he might be fired.
The 65-year-old former Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion manager took over as Ghana coach in March. (Reuters)
