Mozambique clash is do-or-die for Black Stars

Ghana head coach Chris Hughton has faith in his players to get the desired result against Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Monday, January 22 to keep their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations dream alive.

10pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current form:

The Black Stars are in danger of exiting the continental showpiece at the first hurdle for the second time in a row after picking up just one point from their opening two matches in Ivory Coast.

Hughton's side were beaten 2-1 by Cape Verde on January 14 and they squandered the lead twice to draw 2-2 with Egypt four days later to sit third in Group B with a minus one goal difference.

Victory is needed against the Southeastern Africans for them to progress to the knockout stages, potentially as one of the best third-placed teams unless the Pharaohs slip up in their clash with the Blue Sharks.

The Mambas are in the same boat as Ghana, although their goal difference of minus three means they require a big win to stay alive in the tournament.

Chiquinho Conde's side were unfortunate not to beat Egypt in their Afcon 2023 opener after Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot to earn a 2-2 draw.

Cape Verde then ran out convincing 3-0 victors on January 19 to leave them bottom of the group, having shipped the second-most goals in the group stages behind already-eliminated Guinea-Bissau (6).

Team news:

Both teams have a clean bill of health after coming through their respective games against Cape Verde and Egypt unscathed. Clesio could make his first start for Mozambique after coming on for Gildo at the start of the second half against the Pharaohs before being left on the bench against the Blue Sharks.

What was said:

Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde

"This is going to be our first final. We are up against the wall, we no longer have a choice. We will have to go for this victory and it will not be easy because the Ghanaians will want the same thing as us."

Ghana head coach Chris Hughton

"There are no more small teams in Africa. We are preparing for a tough match against them (Mozambique). The calculations are already made, we need a victory to pursue our dream and I know we are capable of it."

Players to watch:

Mozambique - Witi: The 27-year-old striker opened his Afcon account with the second goal against Egypt, but was hauled off at halftime in the loss to Cape Verde after failing to make an impact. He highlighted his importance to the team with a goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over Benin in their final Afcon qualifier on 9 September 2023.

Ghana - Mohammed Kudus: The 23-year-old attacking midfielder displayed his goalscoring prowess with a brace against Egypt and will fancy his chances of adding to his tally of 11 goals against Mozambique, who have conceded five in their opening two matches.

Head-to-Head:

Matches - 2

Mozambique wins - 0

Ghana wins - 1

Draws - 1