Angola advance to last 16 of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Ghana fail to qualify after draw with Comoros
Palenquinhas book last-16 spot with 2-0 win over Mauritania
Angola have advanced to the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Tuesday.
The Palancas Negras finished second in Group D, behind Mali, and will now face the winner of Group E in the knockout stage.
Ghana, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the last 16 after being held to a 3-3 draw by Comoros in their final group game.
The Black Stars finished third in Group C, behind Morocco and Gabon, and will now head home.
Angola's victory over Mauritania
Angola got off to a flying start against Mauritania, with Gelson Dala scoring the opening goal in the 12th minute.
The Palancas Negras doubled their lead in the 38th minute through Jaredi Teixeira, and they held on to their advantage in the second half to secure the victory.
Angola's victory was their first at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2013, and it was a much-needed boost for the team after they lost their opening game to Mali.
Ghana's draw with Comoros
Ghana needed to beat Comoros to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16, but they were held to a 3-3 draw by the debutants.
The Black Stars took the lead through Andre Ayew in the 18th minute, but Comoros equalised through El Fardou Ben Nabouhane in the 25th minute.
Ghana regained the lead through Osman Bukari in the 37th minute, but Comoros equalised again through Ben Nabouhane in the 62nd minute.
Ghana took the lead for the third time through Inaki Williams in the 76th minute, but Comoros equalised for the third time through Ahmed Mogni in the 85th minute.
The draw meant that Ghana finished third in Group C, behind Morocco and Gabon, and they will now head home.
Conclusion
Angola's victory over Mauritania and Ghana's draw with Comoros mean that the Palancas Negras have advanced to the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, while the Black Stars have been eliminated.
Angola will now face the winner of Group E in the knockout stage, while Ghana will head home.
