Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fate hangs in the balance as they clash with Mozambique in a crucial Group B encounter at Stade Alassane Ouattara on Monday, January 22, 2024.
Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT, and only victory will secure their passage to the knockout stage and avoid a second consecutive group stage exit.
Despite being a four-time AFCON champion, Ghana sits precariously in the third group position with a single point from two matches. A disappointing opening-day loss to Cape Verde was followed by a 2-2 draw with Egypt, putting their AFCON fate on the line. Ghana’s recent form is concerning, with a six-game winless streak in AFCON and just one victory in their last five matches across all competitions.
Mozambique, at the bottom of the group, held Egypt to a draw in their opener before succumbing to Cape Verde. Despite their recent win streak, their overall AFCON record remains abysmal, with no victories in 14 matches, losing 11 and drawing three.
Both teams have unique motivations; Ghana seeks to reclaim their AFCON throne, while Mozambique aims for their first tournament win and to end a 14-game winless streak.
Ghana historically dominates the head-to-head record, winning four of six encounters with Mozambique. Their last meeting in 2016 ended in a goalless stalemate, but the Black Stars have a superior firepower, scoring nine goals and conceding just two in their six encounters.
A win for either side would propel them into the round of 16 or potentially as one of the best third-placed teams, depending on Egypt’s outcome against Group B leaders Cape Verde. However, a defeat for Ghana would mean an early AFCON exit and raise questions about the Black Stars’ future.
With desperation and history on the line, this clash promises to be a tense and thrilling affair.