Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus blamed his team’s lack of focus in the dying minutes for their agonizing 2-2 draw with Mozambique and subsequent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exit on Monday night.
The Black Stars, needing a win to progress to the round of 16, squandered a two-goal advantage, leaving fans in utter disbelief and their tournament hopes in tatters.
“We lost the game by losing concentration in the last minutes, like against Egypt too,” Kudus lamented to the press, his voice heavy with disappointment. “I’m very disappointed, we really wanted this victory but it wasn’t to be. It’s a big disappointment for us.”
Ghana seemed in control early on, with Jordan Ayew converting two penalties. However, Mozambique refused to back down, pulling one back through Geny Catamo’s penalty in the second half. Then, with just minutes remaining and victory within reach, Reinildo Mandava delivered a crushing equalizer, sending Ghana crashing out of the competition.
This marks the second consecutive AFCON tournament where Ghana have stumbled at the group stage hurdle, a bitter pill to swallow for a nation with four continental titles to its name.
Kudus’ comments highlight the mental lapses that cost Ghana dearly. Despite his individual brilliance, which earned him the Man of the Match award, the team’s inability to maintain focus in the closing stages proved fatal.
The Black Stars face a period of rebuilding, but with determination and analysis, they can rise from this setback and achieve future success