Cape Verde 2-2 Egypt
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has truly lit up magnificently, with upsets, shocking outcomes, and unpredictable matches.
Cape Verde went ahead at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan through Gilson Tavares in the 1st minute of additional time in the first half.
The clash was entertaining and intriguing for neutrals, with fans sitting at the edge of their seats for most moments of the game.
Egypt also had their minds fixated on what was happening in the clash involving Ghana and Mozambique which was also another classic.
Anyway, second-half substitute Trezeguet got the equalizer for The Pharaohs in the 50th minute, with an impressive attempt to beat Vozinha in goal for Cape Verde.
Three minutes into additional time of the second 45, Rui Vitoria's side thought they had stolen it with Mostafa Mohamed netting his 3rd goal of the tournament, signaling that he has scored in all 3 group stage matches.
In the 9th minute of added time, the Blue Sharks got themselves back on level terms, with Bryan Teixeira dispatching the ball confidently, beating Egyptian goalie Mohamed El Shenawi.
Cape Verde went into the next round unbeaten with 7 points from 3 matches, while Egypt qualify as runner-up with 3 points, and they are also unbeaten, having drawn all 3 group stage games played.
Mozambique 2-2 Ghana
It was a day that the Black Stars experienced a rollercoaster of emotions due to their shaky outing on the night.
Jordan Ayew put Ghana ahead via a penalty, with just 15 minutes of action played against Mozambique after Infren Nanani had fouled Joseph Paintsil.
The Mambas were dominant against Chris Houghton's side, however, they couldn't dispatch their chances until the dying embers of the clash.
Ghana scored their second of the evening in the 70th minute also through a penalty, ably converted by Jordan Ayew.
Reinildo was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and that resulted in the Black Stars being handed a spot kick, with the Mozambique defender receiving a yellow for the incident.
The West African nation appeared like they were going to qualify ahead of Egypt into the next round as the second-placed side in the group, but their opposition had other ideas.
Geny Catamo halved the deficit for Mozambique in the 1st minute of added time in the first 45, netting a penalty to halve the scoreline.
Reinildo, who was shown a yellow for a handball and caused a penalty against his side also netted for Chiquinho Conde's side in the 4th minute of stoppage time.
Ghana's chances to qualify automatically from the group went with the wind, as despite the Egyptians failing to pick up a win, they also couldn't do business at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
The Black Stars sit 3rd in the group with 2 points and their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage as one of the best losers is hanging in the balance.
Mozambique crashed out of the tournament, having also amassed 2 points, but they have a poorer goal difference of -3, compared to Ghana's -1.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has truly lit up magnificently, with upsets, shocking outcomes, and unpredictable matches.
Cape Verde went ahead at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan through Gilson Tavares in the 1st minute of additional time in the first half.
The clash was entertaining and intriguing for neutrals, with fans sitting at the edge of their seats for most moments of the game.
Egypt also had their minds fixated on what was happening in the clash involving Ghana and Mozambique which was also another classic.
Anyway, second-half substitute Trezeguet got the equalizer for The Pharaohs in the 50th minute, with an impressive attempt to beat Vozinha in goal for Cape Verde.
Three minutes into additional time of the second 45, Rui Vitoria's side thought they had stolen it with Mostafa Mohamed netting his 3rd goal of the tournament, signaling that he has scored in all 3 group stage matches.
In the 9th minute of added time, the Blue Sharks got themselves back on level terms, with Bryan Teixeira dispatching the ball confidently, beating Egyptian goalie Mohamed El Shenawi.
Cape Verde went into the next round unbeaten with 7 points from 3 matches, while Egypt qualify as runner-up with 3 points, and they are also unbeaten, having drawn all 3 group stage games played.
Mozambique 2-2 Ghana
It was a day that the Black Stars experienced a rollercoaster of emotions due to their shaky outing on the night.
Jordan Ayew put Ghana ahead via a penalty, with just 15 minutes of action played against Mozambique after Infren Nanani had fouled Joseph Paintsil.
The Mambas were dominant against Chris Houghton's side, however, they couldn't dispatch their chances until the dying embers of the clash.
Ghana scored their second of the evening in the 70th minute also through a penalty, ably converted by Jordan Ayew.
Reinildo was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and that resulted in the Black Stars being handed a spot kick, with the Mozambique defender receiving a yellow for the incident.
The West African nation appeared like they were going to qualify ahead of Egypt into the next round as the second-placed side in the group, but their opposition had other ideas.
Geny Catamo halved the deficit for Mozambique in the 1st minute of added time in the first 45, netting a penalty to halve the scoreline.
Reinildo, who was shown a yellow for a handball and caused a penalty against his side also netted for Chiquinho Conde's side in the 4th minute of stoppage time.
Ghana's chances to qualify automatically from the group went with the wind, as despite the Egyptians failing to pick up a win, they also couldn't do business at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
The Black Stars sit 3rd in the group with 2 points and their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage as one of the best losers is hanging in the balance.
Mozambique crashed out of the tournament, having also amassed 2 points, but they have a poorer goal difference of -3, compared to Ghana's -1.