AFCON 2023: Richard Ofori Reflects on Ghana’s Draw With Egypt and Urges His Team to ‘Go Again’

• Richard Ofori feels the Black Stars are still destined to play a part in the AFCON
• Ghana took the lead twice thanks to Mohammed Kudus but both times let it slip
• Ghana must now beat Mozambique on Monday to qualify for the Round of 16

The Black Stars' number one, Richard Ofori, has an unshakable confidence.

Despite Ghana's draw with Egypt leaving them bottom of Group B, Ofori is confident that the Black Stars will be in the Round of 16.

Mozambique play Cape Verde less than 24 hours after Ghana twice surrendered their lead to Egypt, in what will set up a fascinating final round of group-stage games.

Ofori was beaten twice in five minutes with a second goal for Mohammed Kudus at the other end sandwiched in between. Speaking after the 2-2 draw, Ofori told Sports Brief:

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"It wasn't the results that we wanted. That is football and then the most important thing is we still have another chance to go again. We just need to stay united and then we make sure we move as one family."

Another win for Cape Verde would be ideal as it would mean a win for Ghana against Mozambique should propel them to the next round. Elaborating on Ghana's situation, Ofori added:

"We have control of our performance but we don't have control of what will happen at the end. You can see everyone gave 100%.

"This is not a time to mourn, this is not the time to blame each other, we need to be united, we stay as a group and then we make sure we deliver in the next game."

The legion of Black Stars supporters had high hopes for their team coming into the tournament. Ofori stated that each member of the team shares those expectations and they understand the responsibility they carry. He said:

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"No one came to this tournament to let their country down so we have to be confident because at the end of the day, we are representing our nation. Ghana is a big nation, Ghana is a nation that everyone is watching."

When asked if he was feeling any pressure around criticism of his selection in the team, he suggested he was focused on his task, saying:

"I've been doing this for years now. If you talk about doubts now, nothing moves me. The most important thing is I need to stand for my country and serve my country. I am Richard Ofori, nothing moves me."

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Kudus earns plaudits for brace

Sports Brief recently reported on the flood of praise given to two-goal hero Mohammed Kudus.

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The West Ham United forward scooped the Man of the Match award after netting twice against Egypt.

Kudus seized the moment to display his quality and revive Ghana's slim hopes of progressing at AFCON 2023.