AFCON 2023: Ghana can still make it to round of 16

Ghana’s last Group B game against Mozambique ended in a 2-2 draw, putting them in a precarious position of potentially exiting the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in the group stage.

The Black Stars seemed to have the game under control until the 91st minute when a penalty conceded by substitute Andre Ayew allowed Mozambique to score, followed by an equalizer from a corner four minutes later. This result leaves Ghana in 3rd place in Group B with only 2 points from three games, after a loss to Cape Verde and a draw with Egypt.

Although their chances are slim, Ghana still has a possibility of qualifying for the round of 16. As one of the four 3rd place teams to move on, they face competition from Côte d’Ivoire and Namibia, both with 3 points, as well as Algeria, Zambia, and Cameroon with 2 points each.

For Ghana to advance, Zambia must lose to DR Congo, Algeria must also lose to Tanzania, and Cameroon must not win against The Gambia. Even then, goal difference will come into play, and Ghana needs one of Algeria or Zambia to lose by at least a 2-goal margin for a chance to sneak through.

While the odds may seem slim and the calculations complex, there is still a glimmer of hope for Ghana to make it to the next round, even if it’s just a 0.0001% chance.