Black Stars on the Verge of Elimination after Draw With Mozambique in Abidjan

• Ghana's AFCON hopes was dealt a huge blow on Monday
• The Black Stars were held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique
• Forward Jordan Ayew netted twice for the Black Stars

Mozambique scored two late goals to draw with Ghana in the final Group B game of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire.

Jordan Ayew's brace at either side of half-time was cancelled by Geny Catamo and Reinildo Mandava as Ghana shared the spoils with Mozambique in Abidjan.

The Black Stars got off to a bright start after dominating the early exchanges, forcing the Mozambicans to make mistakes in their own half.

Joseph Paintsil, who was electric down the right, switched to the left, where he won a penalty for Ghana. Crystal Palace forward Ayew made no mistake from 12 years as he left the Mozambique goalkeeper Ivanie Carmine glued to the spot.

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The Mambas gradually warmed themselves into the game, causing problems for the four-time African champions.

Anderlecht midfielder Majeed Ashimeru was forced off due to an injury and had to be replaced by Idrissu Baba.

Kudus, who was quiet for most of the first half fired from long range, only to miss by inches as the Black Stars went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

After the break, Black Stars coach Chris Hughton made an early substitution, bringing on Andre Ayew for Paintsil.

Mozambique handed Ghana a scare on the hour mark after goalkeeper Richard Ofori spilled a ball from a corner kick, but the connection from the far end went wide.

Moments later, Jordan Ayew broke on the right, sending in a cross which was met by Kudus but his effort hit the hand of a Mozambique defender as the referee awarded Ghana a penalty.

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Ayew expertly fired home, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The Crystal Palace winger was difficult to handle on the flanks while Kudus dominated the midfield battles.

Kudus was then replaced by Inaki Williams in the final minute before Andre Ayew conceded a penalty in a dramatic finish.

Geny Catamo then pulled one back from the spot for the Mambas and two minutes later, Reinildo Mandava pulled levelled after rising high to head home.

Kudus tipped to win Ballon d'Or

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has been tipped to win the Ballon d'Or by his former coach Jeremy Seethal.

Having missed the opening game due to an injury, the West Ham United star stole the show in the biggest game of Group B with his Man of the Match performance.

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.