AFCON 2023: How South Africa's Big Win Over Namibia Complicates Ghana's Last 16 Chances

• Ghana will face Mozambique for a place in the last 16
• The Black Stars need at least a win to progress at AFCON
• South Africa thumped Namibia 4-0 in Group E on Sunday

Ghana's hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations have been further complicated following South Africa's thumping victory over Namibia on Sunday night.

The Black Stars could go through to the knockout stages at least as one of the best third-place sides, following a defeat and a draw in their opening games against Cape Verde and Egypt.

A resounding win over Mozambique on Monday and an Egypt defeat or draw will see the Black Stars finish second in Group B and earn automatic qualification.

However, if the Pharaohs win, the Black Stars' fate will depend on results from other groups.

Previewing AFCON 2023 Group E featuring Mail, Tunisia, South Africa and Namibia

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The situation became worse after South Africa defeated Namibia 4-0 in their Group E, and if they should draw their final game could be one of the third-best-placed sides in the tournament.

Six teams that could finish as best third-placed sides

In Group A, it will be a battle between host Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea for the second position. The Nzalang Nacional who could possibly finish third with four points have a healthy goal advantage, having beaten Guinea Bissau 4-1 in their second group game. Cote d'Ivoire could do Ghana a favour by beating Equatorial Guinea with a huge goal difference.

Meanwhile, in Group B, Ghana could finish third with a victory over Mozambique but will have to do that by recording a healthy goal advantage. A 3-0 or 4-0 win could put the Black Stars in a good position to advance.

However, with their recent form, it is hard to tell which Ghana team shows up.

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In Group C, Cameroon faces the weakest team in their pot, the Gambia. With the Indomitable Lions wounded from their earlier games, the five-time champions could feast on the toothless Scorpions. This means Guinea would have to avoid defeat to Senegal.

In Group D, 2019 champions Algeria, Burkina Faso and Angola could all finish with five points and that will mean, at least there will be a better third-place side than Ghana. Algeria faces Mauritania in a must-win game while Angola and Burkina Faso need a point to progress.

South Africa in Group E needs just a point to qualify for the next stage after their win over Namibia, but they face a stern test in Tunisia. A victory for Tunisia could also see the Carthage Eagles edge Bafana Bafana but the result between Namibia and Mali could prove crucial. Mali needs a point to finish top of their group, which could also see Namibia collect four points.

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But a draw for South Africa means they go through with a good goal advantage.

Finally, Group F favourites Morocco will face Zambia, who could potentially finish third with five points if they beat Morocco, but the Atlas Lions hold a good goal advantage after their win over Tanzania. DR Congo are expected to beat Tanzania, which will make them automatic qualifiers.

Likely third-place teams

Equatorial Guinea

Ghana

Cameroon

Guinea

Algeria

South Africa

Only four teams will join the 12 automatic qualifiers.

Kudus tipped to win Ballon d'Or

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus' former coach has predicted a Ballon d'Or win for the West Ham United star.

Kudus produced a Man of the Match performance on his AFCON debut after netting a brace against Egypt.

His dazzling display has seen him being mentioned in the Ballon d'Or argument, with one of his former coaches Jeremy Seethal predicting a podium finish for the 23-year-old.