CAN barely recovered from a resounding Ivorian defeat, with Group B offering a grand finale. Without their mentor Mohamed Salah, the Egyptians had to win against Cape Verde, their qualification already assured, while Ghana had no room for error against Mozambique, who could still spring a surprise. The Black Stars Jordan Ayew was the first to strike from the penalty spot (1-0, 13E) While, at the same time at the Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Feronio faced the inspired Vozinha in the Cape Verdean cage. With 12 shots, there’s no shortage of chances, but inefficiency pays in cash, and Benchimol opens the scoring with a great pivot action. (1-0, 45E+1). At the break, Cape Verde were in the lead, ahead of Ghana then Egypt, in the hot seat more than ever.
After returning from the locker room Trezeguet enters and changes his team. After the first chance, the Trabzonspor player scores and gives his team a breath of fresh air (1-1.50E). However, more is still needed from the men from the third-placed Rui Vitoria. However, at the Alasane-Outara Olympic Stadium, the Mambas are giving Ghana a tough time. Although handled, the Ayew brothers’ teammates again found fault from a penalty by the younger of the two brothers. (2-0, 70E). But nothing has been written till this Monday evening. Determined and courageous, Mozambique scored twice in quick succession and equalized thanks to Genny Ketamo, also at Peno. (2-1, 90E+1) And Renildo (2-2, 90E+4). Almost at the same time, Mostafa Mohamed, with a superb lob, rewards Egypt for its undivided dominance and confirms the pharaoh’s qualification. (2-1, 90E+3). But as the evening turned irrational, Cape Verde found the resources to equalize through Brian Teixeira and remain undefeated. (2-2, 90E+9). If it loses its goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi in the last seconds, Egypt will see the eighth as first Cape Verde. Ghana, for its part, is off to a bad start.
The results do business for the host of the competition, as Cote d’Ivoire move ahead of third-placed Ghana this evening.
Mozambique 2-2 Ghana
Goal: Catamo (90E+1 SP) and Reinildo (90E+4) For Mambas // J.Ayew (13E SP and 70Esp) for black stars
Cape Verde 2-2 Egypt
Goals: Benchimol (45E+1) and Brian Teixeira (90E+9) for Blue Shark // Trezeguet (50E) and Mohammed (90E+3) for kings
