Ghana, Ivory Coast on brink of Cup of Nations exits

ISSOUF SANOGO/ AFP

Mozambique scored two goals in the stoppage time to hold Ghana to a 2-2 draw while Ivory Coast were thrashed by Equatorial Guinea, to leave both clubs on the brink of early exits at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In Group B, two penalties from Jordan Ayew had Ghana comfortably ahead and looking well placed to finish second in the group behind the Cape Verde Islands, but a late rally handed Mozambique a share of the spoils.

It was not enough for Mozambique, who finished bottom of the group, but only behind Ghana on goal-difference.

Two points from three matches is not likely to be enough for Ghana to qualify for the knockout rounds as one of four best third-placed finishers.

Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea produced the biggest upset in Africa Cup of Nations history with a 4-0 thumping of hosts Ivory Coast that put the small country into the last 16 as Group A winners and left the hosts facing potential elimination.

Emilio Nsue scored two goals to take his tournament tally to five and Pablo Gannet and Yannick Buyla added two more as the country of 1.6 million swept aside the home team with a sensational result.

The former Spanish colony finished top with seven points, ahead of Nigeria on goal difference.

Ivory Coast could still go through to the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed finishers but face an anxious wait over the next days to see whether they make it.

More from Sports News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Nala

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Playing 10 hits in a row every hour, all weekend!

  • The Middle East Hot 30

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    Kris Fade counts down the biggest songs of the week

Trending on Virgin Radio

  • Pick the Hits

    We have money can't buy passes to premiere of Bad Boys: Ride Or Die and see Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in person at the event! Just Pick The Hits!

  • Bassem Youssef

    One of the most talked about comedians in the world takes over The Kris Fade Show. Watch the full interview here...

  • Regional Artist Spotlight Podcast

    Hear Maz & James chatting to the featured artists every month with Flash Entertainment.

  • Jason Derulo on the Kris Fade Show!

    The super-star and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo is bringing the heat to Dubai.