Good evening and welcome to the live text commentary of the clash between the Black Stars of Ghana and their counterparts from Mozambique.
Ghana is facing Mozambique in their final Group B encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Ahead of the start of the clash, Chris Hughton has made just one change to the Black Stars’ starting eleven that played the game against giants Egypt last Thursday.
Only Inaki Williams is out of the first eleven and has been replaced by winger Joseph Paintsil.
Goalkeeper Richard Ofori keeps his place in Ghana starting eleven and will be guarded by a defensive back line that includes Gideon Mensah, Denis Odoi, Mohammed Salisu, and Alexander Djiku.
There is a partnership of Majeed Ashimeru and Abdul Salis Samed in the Ghana midfield while Mohammed Kudus plays a key role as the attacking midfielder.
Jordan Ayew and Joseph Paintsil will be operating from the flanks while Antoine Semenyo plays as the number 9 for the Black Stars.
Our team to face Mozambique 💪🏾
🇲🇿 🆚 🇬🇭#BlackStars pic.twitter.com/3abo8zYRez
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) January 22, 2024
The game between Ghana and Mozambique kicks off at 8 pm tonight.
The two national teams are already out here for their warm-up.
Both Mozambique and Ghana cannot afford to lose if they want to advance to the knockout stage of the 2023 AFCON.
The two teams are out to exchange pleasantries before kick off in the next 10 minutes.
First Half:
1’ We are off for the first half as Mozambique kicks us off. Ghana takes over possession and goes on the attack. Antoine Semenyo with the first shot at goal but it is saved. Corner to the Black Stars.
2’ The corner is taken but Mozambique clear their liens.
5’ A combative start to this game as players from both game fight for the 50-50 balls. Good start to this important game.
7’ Mohammed Salisu too strong on the ball. He wins possession but not legally. Mozambique win a free kick.
10’ Mozambique 0-0 Ghana.
12’ Ghana has been awarded a penalty kick after a foul on Joseph Paintsil. Big Chance.
14’ Goal! The Black Stars have taken the lead. Great penalty by Jordan Ayew.
17’ The tempo of play of the Black Stars have gone down after that goal. This has allowed Mozambique to see more of the ball.
20’ Gideon Mensah is down and in pain. He looks to have picked an injury. Good news he is alright and can continue playing.
23’ Mozambique now threatening the area of Ghana. The Black Stars must up their game.
25’ Ghana’s defensive breaks down as Mozambique threatens once again. What’s happening? Chris Hughton must talk to his players.
27’ The first yellow card of the game is flashed at Majeed Ashimeru.
30’ Ghana’s play after scoring that goal has not been impressive.
31’ We are having the first cooling break of the match. Game will resume in a few minutes.
35’ Majeed Ashimeru is unable to continue after an injury. He has been replaced by Baba Iddrisu.
38’ The Black Stars are now getting back into the game. It’s good to see.
40’ We are into the final four minutes of the game.
42’ Jordan Ayew with a good interception to win the ball for the Black Stars. He tries to find Kudus but his marker goes a good job.
45’ We will play four minutes of additional time.
45+9’ The referee has whistled to bring proceedings to an end.
Halftime:
Ghana goes into the break with a narrow lead. The Black Stars must play better in the second half.
Second Half:
Ghana makes one change at the break. Andre Ayew comes on for Joseph Paintsil.
46’ We are back for the second half. Can Ghana get a second goal?
48’ There is pressure on the Black Stars very early into the second half. Mozambique just came close to scoring.
50’ Update from the other game between Cape v Cape Verde and Egypt. It’s now 1-1
55’ Free kick for Ghana in a good position. Mohammed Kudus takes but it’s well defended.
57’ Andre Ayew is now the man leading the lines for the Black Stats.
58’ Baba IDDRISU has received a yellow card. He will miss the next match if Ghana goes through to the knockout stage.
60’ Mozambique 0-1 Ghana
61’ Alexander Djiku receives a yellow card and will also miss the next match if Ghana goes through.
63’ Mozambique deserve to be level at this point. They have been the best team since Ghana scored and have created all the chances in the second half.
65’ Ghana has been awarded a penalty kick. This will be received by VAR. And it has been given. The Black Stars have an opportunity to increase their lead.
68’ Jordan Ayew will take the penalty for Ghana. It’s a goal!!!! The Black Stars are two goals up. Great penalty from Jordan Ayew.
70’ We will have a short cooling break before the game resumes.
71’ Changes for Ghana, Alidu Seidu has come on for Denis Odoi. Daniel Amartey is also on for Antoine Semenyo.
74’ Ghana’s performance has improved after that second goal.
75’ Will there be more goals?
78’ Jordan Ayew now more involved in the attack of the Black Stars. He’s on a hat-trick.
80’ We are into the last 10 minutes of the game.
85' We are into the last five minutes of the contest.
89' Mohammed Kudus has been replaced by Inaki Williams.
90' We will play six minutes of additional time.
90+1 Mozambique have pulled one back. Game on.
90+6' Mozambique have scored again. It's all over. Mozambique have battled to hold Ghana to a 2-2 draw. This most likely knocks the Black Stars out of the tournament.
Full Time.
Mozambique 2-2 Ghana.