Africa Cup of Nations

GHANA are heading out of the Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a baffling gaffe from goalkeeper Richard Ofori.The Black Stars are set to exit at the group stage after failing to win in three matches against Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique.
Richard Ofori had a moment to forget against MozambiqueCredit: AFP
Reinildo Mandava’s late equaliser means Ghana are heading out of AfconCredit: AP
Ghana’s head coach Chris Hughton looks on during the game against MozambiqueCredit: AP

They were minutes away from picking up a vital three points against Mozambique and would have done so if not for a big blunder from Ofori.
Former West Ham star Jordan Ayew scored twice from the penalty spot to give Ghana a 2-0 lead, before Geny Catamo pulled one back from 12 yards in stoppage time.
That meant there was time for late heartbreak as Reinildo Mandava jumped highest at the back post to steer a header into the top corner to equalise.
However Mozambique only won the corner thanks to an incredible lapse in concentration from Ofori, who plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
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Mozambique star Mexer sliced an effort from outside the box that was bouncing harmlessly out of play – before Ofori intervened.
The keeper appeared to try to catch the ball before being caught in two minds, leading him to instead palm out the ball for a corner.
Fans could scarcely believe what they were watching as one reacted saying: “This tournament is quality.”
Another added: “The most unnecessary mistake ever seen.”
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A third wrote: “Should have caught it to be certain. Zero situational awareness displayed here.”
And another commented: “The way he puts his hands up too I’m crying man😭”
Pressure is now mounting on Ghana boss Chris Hughton who has overseen just four wins from 13 games.
Ghana were expected to qualify from their Afcon group as the 11th ranked African side in the world, while they are 50 places above Mozambique in the world rankings.
Meanwhile Mo Salah’s injury which he picked up playing for Egypt has now been revealed to be far worse than first thought. More

MOHAMED SALAH’S Africa Cup of Nations could be over after he suffered a hamstring injury against Ghana.The Liverpool forward left the field injured on Thursday as Egypt played out a 2-2 draw.
Mohamed Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations could be overCredit: Getty
The Egyptian FA have now announced that Salah suffered a hamstring strain and will miss his country’s next two matches.
As a result, he is ruled out of their final group match against Cape Verde as well as the round of 16, if they qualify.
Egypt are second in group B after drawing their first two matches, and now need a win in the final fixture to guarantee progression.
However, they will now have to do so without their star man, against a side that has already won the group.
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Salah, who scored a stoppage time penalty against Mozambique on Sunday, appeared to fight back tears as he left the pitch against Ghana.
He was forced off on the stroke of half-time after receiving treatment on the pitch.
Fans had been hopeful Salah would be able to play Egypt’s next match, though.
The 31-year-old was spotted smiling as he left the stadium following the match.
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Unfortunately for Egypt and Salah, however, his tournament could now be over if they do not reach the last eight.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp admitted he went into a state of “shock” when he saw his star man go down.
And Liverpool’s boss has not ruled out flying the club’s own medical team to Africa Cup of Nations host country Ivory Coast to treat his star.
Klopp said: “I spoke last night with him and how it is with these injuries — you need further assessment. That’s what they are doing now and then we will know more.
“Of course it was in that moment a shock: ‘Oh my God, what is it?’.  You have these kinds of hamstring injuries in a different way but he  felt it.
“And we all know how rarely Mo goes off or needs to go off, so there is definitely something and we will see.”
If Egypt crash out after Monday’s group finale, then Salah will be back on Merseyside by next week.
An Anfield medical team is now on standby. Asked whether the Reds will send their own experts, Klopp said: “There will be an ultrasound and they will do an MRI.
“Then we will know what  it is and we will see what Egypt plans. But it’s too early to say.”
The forward will miss the round of 16 if Egypt qualifyCredit: Getty More

TANZANIA have sacked manager Adel Amrouche after just ONE GAME in the Africa Cup of Nations.Amrouche landed himself on hot water after his team’s 3-0 thrashing to Morocco at the Ivory Coast.
Tanzania fired manager Adel Amrouce after one game in the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: AFP
Amrouche was suspended by CAF and Tanzania after a rant at MoroccoCredit: AP
According to Sportstar, the Algerian tactician claimed the Atlas Lions held too much sway in African football and were influencing the appointment of referees.
That led to an eight-match ban from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee after a complaint was launched from Moroccan chiefs.
Tanzania’s football federation soon followed suit by initially suspending the 55-year-old following the incident.
But ultimately the African nation decided to fire Amrouche after just 10 months.
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Tanzania placed Hemed Morocco as acting coach and Juma Mgunda as his assistant.
Amrouche only managed a total of nine match with the African outfit, winning three.
And he entered this month’s Afcon in the Ivory Coast looking to make history by securing Tanzania’s first win in the tournament.
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But the opening game against tournament favourites Morocco proved to be his last.
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The Moroccans picked up a smooth victory with goals by ex-Wolves ace Romain Saiss, Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Tanzania are now facing two crucial matches in the group stage against Zambia and Congo without their boss. More