Mohammed Kudus and Ghana are on the brink of elimination from the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after late drama saw them held to a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their final group-stage game.
The Black Stars knew they likely had to win in Abidjan to stand any chance of clinching a top-two spot in Group B, and a share of the spoils leaves them with just two points and all-but guaranteed to miss out on qualifying as one of four best-ranked third-placed teams.
Two penalties from Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew had put four-time champions Ghana on course for victory and progression by the time Kudus - who scored twice in his first appearance at the tournament against Egypt on Thursday - was withdrawn in the 89th minute.
But a 91st-minute Geny Catamo spot-kick gave Mozambique renewed momentum, three minutes before Reinildo Mandava rose highest to head home the equaliser from a corner.
Former Hammer Chris Hughton’s side finish with two draws and a defeat from their three group games, one point behind runners-up Egypt, who drew 2-2 with first-placed Cape Verde in their third outing. Mozambique finish with the same two-point tally as Ghana, but bottom of the standings by virtue of goal difference.
Kudus and his teammates now face an anxious wait to see if they can beat the odds and sneak into the next round. Four groups are yet to play their final round of games, and results in the fixtures involving Cameroon, Zambia and Tanzania must all go their way.
