AFCON 2023: How Ghana Can Still Qualify as Last 16 Hopes Crumble for Black Stars After Late Collapse

• Ghana finished third in Group B after a late collapse against Mozambique
• The Black Stars squandered a two-goal lead during second-half injury time
• Four third-place teams will make the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The Black Stars looked to be on their way to the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.

They held a commanding 2-0 lead over Mozambique heading into second-half injury time.

The pressure got to Ghana though, as they conceded two late goals against the Mambas.

They could have automatically qualified for the last 16 as Egypt drew with Cape Verde in the other group match.

The good news for Chris Hughton's side is that they still have a shot at advancing to the knockout round as one of the four best third-placed teams in this year's AFCON, per TNT Sports.

Karim Benzema vs. Robert Lewandowski: Who is the best striker in La Liga?

Football

The Black Stars will need the help of other teams, though, for them to achieve this difficult task.

How Ghana can still advance in AFCON

Group B table

As it stands, the Black Stars have two points and a goal difference of -1. They will need two other third-placed teams to finish the group stage with two points and have a goal difference that's worse than -1.

Group C table

Cameroon will face the Gambia while defending champions, Senegal will lock horns with Guinea in the final round of fixtures in Group C.

What is the biggest defeat in World Cup history? Embarrassing World Cup facts

Football

The Black Stars will focus their attention on the match between the Gambia and the Indomitable Lions. They will need that match to end in a draw for them to finish higher than third-placed Cameroon.

Group D table

Angola will square off against Burkina Faso and Algeria will lock horns with Mauritania in the final round of matches in Group D. Unfortunately for Ghana, the third-placed team in Group D will finish higher than them.

If the match between Algeria and Mauritania ends in a draw, the Fennecs will finish third in Group D with three points.

If the Almoravids prevail in that contest, they will finish third in Group D with three points. Those point totals are higher than what the Black Stars have amassed in Group B.

Biggest Winning Margins in AFCON History: Who Recorded Huge Wins at the Africa Cup of Nations?

Football

Group E table

Namibia will face Mali and South Africa will lock horns with Tunisia in the final round of fixtures in Group E.

Unfortunately for Ghana, the third-placed team in Group E will finish higher than them. Mali, South Africa, and Namibia all have at least three points already after their first two group matches.

Group F table

Morocco will square off against Zambia and DR Congo will face Tanzania in the final round of games in Group F. These matches will take place on Wednesday, January 24, per CAF.

AFCON 2023: Ghana Looking to Join African Teams That Won The Title After Losing Opening Group Match

Football

The Black Stars will be cheering on the Atlas Lions in their game against Zambia, as a Morocco victory would result in a two-point total for the third-placed team in Group F.

That outcome will occur regardless of the result of the match between DR Congo and Tanzania.

Angry reporters clash with Black Stars

Sports Brief recently reported on angry Ghanaian reporters clashing with the Black Stars after their meltdown against Mozambique.

The journalists confronted players and officials after the match, with CAF security officials stepping in to quell the tense situation.