AFCON 2023 Preview: Mozambique vs Ghana
Two down, one to go. It’s all to play for in the final group game with both teams needing a win to qualify for the knockout stages. It’s 3 points or nothing. This encounter has the makings of an AFCON all-timer. Expect both teams to play this like a cup final.
Here are how things stand currently after Matchday 2 in Group B:
Mozambique and Ghana have met twice with their latest encounter ending in a 0–0 draw. Below are their head-to-head:
Mozambique
The Mambas started their campaign strong by keeping the Egyptians to a 2–2 draw. They were the supposed to be the weakest team in the group but they’ve shown that they did not come to make up the numbers at AFCON, they came to play.
After losing 3–0 to group leaders Cape Verde who have already secured a place in the next round, the Mambas find themselves bottom of the group below Ghana, separated by goal difference. Going into the final game against the Black Stars, they must win and hope Egypt draw or lose to Cape Verde in order to finish 2nd. Mozambique could still qualify to the knockout stages by finishing 3rd but that is not a guarantee, it’s 2nd place to seal their spot in the next round.
Ghana
Ghana in this group were expected to ease their way into the next round alongside Egypt but have flattered to deceive and could are on the verge of another groupstage exit. The Black Stars after the embarrassing loss to Cape Verde, showed more bite against Egypt chasing a win but ended up drawing, securing their first point.
Mohammed Kudus came back from injury and stole the show, scoring a both goals for the Black Stars. However, individual errors and a lack of concentration cost them a win. Having Kudus will be a massive boost for them. Just like Mozambique, Ghana need a win to keep their AFCON hopes alive.
Closing
This is going to be an absolute thriller of a match. I expect both teams to come out of the gate swinging, chasing that first goal to set the tone. For both teams, it’s a win or a flight back home.
Mozambique have looked promising in their first two games and there is no doubt that they will leave everything on the pitch; their head coach Chiquinho Conde stating that they have done their homework on this Ghanaian side and will come prepared. Mozambique want a win just as much as their opponents do.
Ghana on the other hand do not want a repeat of AFCON 2021 and they seem to want this more. However, this Ghanaian side is prone to losing their heads when it matters and this could be their undoing.
Predicted Lineups:
Mozambique (4–4–1–1): Ernani — Domingos — Edson Mexer — Edmilson Dove — Reinildo Mandava — Witi — Ricardo Guimaraes Guima — Alfons Amade — Gildo — Elias Domingues — Stanley Ratifo
Ghana (4–2–3–1): Richard Ofori —Alidu Seidu— Alexander Djiku — Mohammed Salisu — Gideon Mensah — Salis Abdul Samed — Majeed Ashimeru — Jordan Ayew — Inaki Williams — Joseph Paintsil — Antoine Semenyo
Predicted Score: A narrow 3–2 win for Ghana.
