Mostafa Mohamed relieves Egypt, André Ayew costs Ghana dearly… The tops and the flops

By Maël Chrétien

Published yesterday at 11:31 p.m., Updated yesterday at 11:43 p.m.

Mostafa Mohamed’s Egypt moves into the round of 16, while André Ayew and Ghana are almost out. AFP / FRANCK FIFE / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO

Four goals in added time, stunning scenarios… The final of Group B had its share of surprises with draws during Cape Verde-Egypt and Mozambique-Ghana.

TOPS

Mostafa Mohamed, from zero to hero

After missing almost everything for 90 minutes, FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed finally scored the qualifying goal for the Pharaons. Whether with his head or his foot, he lacked sharpness in the last movement throughout the match and could have blamed himself in the event of elimination. But in the 93rd minute of play, number 19 chose his moment well: he wanted more than everyone else in this race, took the ball well and lobbed Vozinha magnificently to offer his country a ticket to the eighth, and to bring a smile to Salah in the stands.

Exemplary Trezeguet

It was he who sparked revolt for Egypt. He started on the bench, but once he returned, the Egyptian number 7 was impeccable in his attitude. Barely back, he already showed up and got the first opportunity. Five minutes later, he equalized and gave the Pharaohs hope, thanks to a superb sequence, right foot control, left foot recovery from a tight angle. We even saw him play ball catcher to gain time where the Cape Verdeans were trying to lose time. This is what we call a true “super-sub”.

FLOPS

André Ayew has sabotaged Ghana

He should have been the leader of the Black Stars, the Le Havre player ruined everything. And this while the Ghanaians led 2-0 very quietly thanks to two penalties from his brother Jordan. Everything changed in the 90th minute, when number 10 let his hand hang where it shouldn’t, causing Mozambique to take a penalty. Penalty converted by Catamo. And in the process, Mandava scored an insignificant goal for Mozambique, but which could cost Ghana dearly, third in the group with two points (the ranking here) and now very close to elimination.

The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Abidjan rang hollow

Is there a direct correlation with the incidents that occurred during the slap inflicted by Equatorial Guinea on Côte d’Ivoire? In any case, the stands were very empty and this meeting was nevertheless decisive for qualification for the round of 16. As a reminder, the debacle suffered by the Elephants also caused damage off the field. The players were waited at the entrance to the locker room by angry Ivorians, Frank Kessie was even injured. Funny turn of events for a competition that was described as “CAN of hospitality».