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2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group B

Football tournament group stage From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations took place from 14 to 22 January 2024.[1] The group consisted of Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.[2]

Cape Verde and Egypt as the top two teams advanced to the round of 16.

Teams

More information Draw position, Team ...

Notes

  1. The rankings of October 2023 were used for seeding for the final draw.
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Standings

More information Pos, Pld ...
Source: CAF
Rules for classification: Group stage tiebreakers
Notes:
  1. Tied on head-to-head points. Overall goal difference: Ghana −1, Mozambique −3.
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Matches

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All times are local, GMT (UTC±0).

Egypt vs Mozambique

Egypt and Mozambique met for the sixth time, and this was also the fourth time both nations met in the Africa Cup of Nations. In the previous three meetings (1986, 1998 and 2010), Egypt won those respective matches 2-0. In addition, Egypt won both matches during the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Mostafa Mohamed got Egypt off to a dream start in the second minute with a thunderous shot after a missed opportunity by Mohamed Salah. However, Mozambique staged a strong fightback in the second half, first with Witi heading home in the 55th minute from a brilliant pinpoint cross by Domingos Macandza, before three minutes later Clésio put on a stunning turn of pace before slotting into the net. Nonetheless, Mozambique were cruelly denied a historic win by a foul from Macandza on Salah, and Salah converted the penalty off the left post for a draw in the seventh minute of added time.[3]

More information Egypt, 2–2 ...
Attendance: 11,933[4]
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Egypt
Mozambique
GK16Mohamed El Shenawy
RB3Mohamed Hanydownward-facing red arrow 66'
CB24Mohamed AbdelmonemYellow card 75'
CB6Ahmed Hegazi
LB12Mohamed Hamdy
CM17Mohamed Elnenydownward-facing red arrow 78'
CM5Hamdy Fathy
RW10Mohamed Salah (c)
AM25Zizodownward-facing red arrow 84'
LW7Trézéguetdownward-facing red arrow 66'
CF19Mostafa Mohamed
Substitutions:
FW22Omar Marmoushupward-facing green arrow 66'
DF4Omar Kamalupward-facing green arrow 66'
MF8Emam Ashourupward-facing green arrow 78'
FW9Kokaupward-facing green arrow 84'
Coach:
Portugal Rui Vitória
GK1Ernan Siluane
RB14Domingos
CB17Mexer
CB8Edmilson Dove
LB15Reinildo MandavaYellow card 62'
CM21GuimaYellow card 72'downward-facing red arrow 89'
CM16Alfons Amade
RW19Witidownward-facing red arrow 81'
AM7Domingues (c)downward-facing red arrow 46'
LW18Gildodownward-facing red arrow 46'
CF13Stanley Ratifodownward-facing red arrow 66'
Substitutions:
FW10Clésioupward-facing green arrow 46'
DF5Bruno Langaupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW9Lau KingYellow card 90+11'upward-facing green arrow 66'
MF6Amadúupward-facing green arrow 81'
DF4Nenéupward-facing green arrow 89'
Coach:
Chiquinho Conde

Man of the Match:
Guima (Mozambique)

Assistant referees:
Dimbiniaina Andriatianarivelo (Madagascar)
Jonathan Ahonto Koffi (Togo)
Fourth official:
Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)
Video assistant referee:
Peter Waweru (Kenya)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Haytem Guirat (Tunisia)

Ghana vs Cape Verde

Ghana and Cape Verde met for the sixth time ever, and this was their first encounter since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which Ghana won 2–0. In addition, Ghana also defeated Cape Verde twice during qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including a 4-0 win in Cape Verde. This outcome secured Ghana's qualification for a FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation's history.

Jamiro Monteiro shocked the Ghanaians in the 17th minute by tapping into an empty net after Richard Ofori palmed Jovane Cabral’s fierce first-time effort into the goalscorer’s path. After being ruled out of an equaliser from Ransford Yeboah for offside before half-time, within 15 minutes of the restart, Alexander Djiku capitalised from the corner kick, bundled into the bottom corner to restore parity. However, feckless defending doomed the Ghanaians in the second minute of extra time, when Garry Rodrigues capitalized from Ghanaian errors to slot into an empty net for the shock win.[5]

More information Ghana, 1–2 ...
Attendance: 11,943[6]
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DR Congo)
Ghana
Cape Verde
GK1Richard Ofori (c)
RB3Denis Odoi
CB23Alexander DjikuYellow card 11'
CB6Mohammed Salisu
LB14Gideon Mensah
CM26Iddrisu BabaYellow card 48'
CM8Majeed Ashimerudownward-facing red arrow 88'
RW25Antoine Semenyodownward-facing red arrow 62'
AM7Ransford Yeboahdownward-facing red arrow 62'
LW13Joseph PaintsilYellow card 54'downward-facing red arrow 62'
CF9Jordan Ayewdownward-facing red arrow 90+3'
Substitutions:
FW10André Ayewupward-facing green arrow 62'
FW24Ernest Nuamahupward-facing green arrow 62'
FW19Iñaki Williamsupward-facing green arrow 62'
MF21Salis Abdul Samedupward-facing green arrow 88'
FW11Osman Bukariupward-facing green arrow 90+3'
Coach:
Republic of Ireland Chris Hughton
GK1Vozinha
RB23Steven Moreira
CB5Logan Costa
CB4Pico
LB8João Paulo
CM14Deroy DuarteYellow card 64'downward-facing red arrow 68'
CM26Kevin Pina
CM10Jamiro Monteirodownward-facing red arrow 84'
RF20Ryan Mendes (c)downward-facing red arrow 68'
CF21Bebédownward-facing red arrow 75'
LF7Jovane Cabraldownward-facing red arrow 84'
Substitutions:
MF18Kenny Rocha SantosYellow card 74'upward-facing green arrow 68'
FW11Garry RodriguesYellow card 90+3'upward-facing green arrow 68'
FW17Willy Semedoupward-facing green arrow 75'
MF15Laros Duarteupward-facing green arrow 84'
FW9Gilson Tavaresupward-facing green arrow 84'
Coach:
Bubista

Man of the Match:
Alexander Djiku (Ghana)

Assistant referees:
Elvis Noupue (Cameroon)
Abelmiro dos Reis (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Fourth official:
Ahmed Heerelal (Mauritius)
Video assistant referee:
Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Mokrane Gourari (Algeria)

Egypt vs Ghana

Egypt and Ghana met for the first time since a 1-1 draw on Nov. 12, 2017, in the teams' group stage finale for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. In addition, the nations also met at four previous editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, with the most recent being a group stage finale in 2017, when Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the match in Port-Gentil, Gabon to give Egypt the 1-0 victory; coupled with Mali's 1-1 draw against Uganda, Ghana advanced to the knockout stage with Egypt. Ghana last defeated Egypt in 2013, winning 6-1 in the first leg of a playoff to determine who would qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

After a scoreless first 45 minutes, in first-half stoppage time Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah was injured, and within that time, Mohammed Kudus received a pass 25 yards from goal, shifted the ball away from Omar Marmoush and lashed in superbly to give Mohamed El Shenawy no chance.[7] After Mohamed Abdelmonem got his equalizer ruled out for offside, Marmoush redeemed at the 69th minute by pouncing on an awful backpass by Iñaki Williams, rounding Richard Ofori and tucking home with aplomb. Kudus immediately responded by restoring parity just two minutes later with a deflecting shot from a failed Abdelmonem's clearance. Still, Ghana's lead was squandered just three minutes later when Trézéguet dispatched the ball from Osman Bukari, before cutting for Mostafa Mohamed to slot in to end the manic thriller to a draw.[8]

More information Egypt, 2–2 ...
Attendance: 20,808[9]
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
Egypt
Ghana
GK16Mohamed El Shenawy
RB4Omar Kamal
CB24Mohamed Abdelmonem
CB6Ahmed Hegazi
LB12Mohamed Hamdy
DM17Mohamed Elnenydownward-facing red arrow 68'
DM5Hamdy Fathy
CM8Emam Ashour
RF10Mohamed Salah (c)downward-facing red arrow 45+2'
CF19Mostafa Mohamed
LF22Omar Marmoushdownward-facing red arrow 90'
Substitutions:
FW18Mostafa Fathiupward-facing green arrow 45+2'
FW7Trézéguetupward-facing green arrow 68'
MF14Marwan Attiaupward-facing green arrow 90'
Coach:
Portugal Rui Vitória
GK1Richard Ofori (c)
RB3Denis Odoi
CB23Alexander Djiku
CB6Mohammed Salisu
LB14Gideon Mensah
CM21Salis Abdul SamedYellow card 38'downward-facing red arrow 89'
CM8Majeed Ashimerudownward-facing red arrow 62'
RW25Antoine Semenyo
AM20Mohammed Kudus
LW19Iñaki Williamsdownward-facing red arrow 73'
CF9Jordan Ayew
Substitutions:
MF26Iddrisu Babaupward-facing green arrow 62'
FW11Osman Bukariupward-facing green arrow 73'downward-facing red arrow 89'
MF15Elisha Owusuupward-facing green arrow 89'
FW13Joseph Paintsilupward-facing green arrow 89'
Coach:
Republic of Ireland Chris Hughton

Man of the Match:
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Assistant referees:
Boris Ditsoga (Gabon)
Carine Atezambong (Cameroon)
Fourth official:
Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)
Video assistant referee:
Issa Sy (Senegal)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Abongile Tom (South Africa)

Cape Verde vs Mozambique

Cape Verde and Mozambique met for the fifth time, as the previous four encounters involved qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations. Both nations were drawn into Group F for qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (along with Niger and Zambia), and the nations met twice in five days in October 2014. Mozambique, who had two draws coming into this match, won 2-0 in the first meeting against Cape Verde, who had opened qualifying with two victories, on Oct. 11, 2014. In the return match on Oct. 15, 2014, Cape Verde got a 79th-minute goal from Heldon, which happened to be the game's only goal; coupled with other results, Cape Verde was one of two nations to secure qualification for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The nations also met during qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with the team's first meeting being a 2-2 draw in Praia; Cape Verde had been winning until they allowed a stoppage-time goal in that match. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the other match to be delayed. When the teams met again on Mar. 30, 2021, it was another 1-0 victory for Cape Verde (this one, courtesy of an own goal from Mozambique's Faizal Bangal) that secured Cape Verde's qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Cape Verde got off to a perfect start when Bebé produced a fiery long-range set-piece shot to the net to give the Cape Verdeans the lead. In the 51st minute, Edmilson Dove's clumsy effort to hold the ball was intercepted by Ryan Mendes before Mendes doubled the West Africans' lead. Kevin Pina then ended any Mozambican hope for a comeback with an equally brilliant thunderous long-range shot.[10]

This result meant Cape Verde advanced past the group stages in three out of four AFCON they have participated.

More information Cape Verde, 3–0 ...
Attendance: 5,794[11]
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
Cape Verde
Mozambique
GK1Vozinha
RB23Steven Moreiradownward-facing red arrow 75'
CB5Logan Costa
CB4Pico
LB7Jovane CabralYellow card 61'downward-facing red arrow 75'
DM26Kevin Pina
RM14Deroy Duartedownward-facing red arrow 80'
LM10Jamiro Monteirodownward-facing red arrow 80'
AM8João Paulo
CF21Bebédownward-facing red arrow 58'
CF20Ryan Mendes (c)
Substitutions:
FW17Willy Semedoupward-facing green arrow 58'
FW9Gilson Tavaresupward-facing green arrow 75'
FW11Garry Rodriguesupward-facing green arrow 75'
MF18Kenny Rocha Santosupward-facing green arrow 80'
MF13Cucaupward-facing green arrow 80'
Coach:
Bubista
GK1Ernan Siluane
RB14Domingosdownward-facing red arrow 78'
CB17Mexer (c)
CB8Edmilson Dove
LB15Reinildo Mandava
RM20Geny Catamo
CM21Guima
CM16Alfons Amadedownward-facing red arrow 67'
LM5Bruno Langadownward-facing red arrow 78'
SS19Witidownward-facing red arrow 46'
CF13Stanley Ratifodownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
MF7Dominguesupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW9Lau Kingupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF23Shaquilleupward-facing green arrow 67'
FW18Gildoupward-facing green arrow 78'
DF2Nananiupward-facing green arrow 78'
Coach:
Chiquinho Conde

Man of the Match:
Ryan Mendes (Cape Verde)

Assistant referees:
Lahcen Azgaou (Morocco)
Mustapha Akerkad (Morocco)
Fourth official:
Jalal Jiyed (Morocco)
Video assistant referee:
Redouane Jiyed (Morocco)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Zakaria Brinssi (Morocco)

Mozambique vs Ghana

Ghana and Mozambique met for the sixth time, with the first meeting coming in the final group matchday of the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, with Ghana winning 2-0. The two nations also met during qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, playing twice in four days in March 2016.

The Black Stars were awarded a penalty in the 15th minute after Joseph Paintsil was fouled by Nanani and Mexer in the penalty area. Jordan Ayew converted successfully. The situation became more favourable for the Ghanaians when from an attack in the 66th minute, Reinildo Mandava handled a shot from Mohammed Kudus, leading to another penalty which Jordan Ayew again converted. However, André Ayew's handball won the Mozambicans a penalty themselves, scored by Geny Catamo in the first minute of stoppage time. Three minutes later, a corner kick coming from Richard Ofori's mishandling of the ball resulted in a header from Mandava, which tied the score but it proved to be futile as Mozambique crashed out; however, the draw also left Ghana in despair as they had to wait until the final matches, with their elimination confirmed the day after.[12]

More information Mozambique, 2–2 ...
Attendance: 6,000[13]
Referee: Ibrahim Mutaz (Libya)
Mozambique
Ghana
GK22Ivane Urrubal
CB2NananiYellow card 84'
CB17Mexer (c)Yellow card 69'
CB15Reinildo MandavaYellow card 67'
DM4Nenédownward-facing red arrow 73'
CM21Guimadownward-facing red arrow 87'
CM16Alfons Amadedownward-facing red arrow 73'
RW20Geny CatamoYellow card 31'
LW5Bruno Langa
SS19Witidownward-facing red arrow 61'
CF9Lau Kingdownward-facing red arrow 87'
Substitutions:
FW18Gildoupward-facing green arrow 61'
FW13Stanley Ratifoupward-facing green arrow 73'
MF7Dominguesupward-facing green arrow 73'
MF11João Bondeupward-facing green arrow 87'
MF23Shaquilleupward-facing green arrow 87'
Coach:
Chiquinho Conde
GK1Richard Ofori (c)
RB3Denis Odoidownward-facing red arrow 72'
CB23Alexander DjikuYellow card 62'
CB6Mohammed Salisu
LB14Gideon Mensah
CM21Salis Abdul Samed
CM8Majeed AshimeruYellow card 28'downward-facing red arrow 37'
RW25Antoine Semenyodownward-facing red arrow 72'
AM20Mohammed Kudusdownward-facing red arrow 89'
LW13Joseph Paintsildownward-facing red arrow 46'
CF9Jordan AyewYellow card 83'
Substitutions:
MF26Iddrisu BabaYellow card 58'upward-facing green arrow 37'
FW10André AyewYellow card 49'upward-facing green arrow 46'
DF2Alidu Seiduupward-facing green arrow 72'
DF18Daniel Amarteyupward-facing green arrow 72'
FW19Iñaki Williamsupward-facing green arrow 89'
Coach:
Republic of Ireland Chris Hughton

Man of the Match:
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Assistant referees:
Djibril Camara (Senegal)
Abbes Zerhouni (Algeria)
Fourth official:
Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
Video assistant referee:
Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda)

Cape Verde vs Egypt

Cape Verde and Egypt met for the first time ever in this group stage finale.

The match got off to a high-tempo start as Egypt was desperate to gain a ticket to advance. Despite Cape Verde having guaranteed their top spot, it was the Cape Verdeans who stroke first in the first minute of extra time when Benchimol swiveled and fired the ball into the bottom corner at the disbelief of the Egyptians. Five minutes after the restart, however, Trézéguet would find the back of the net for Egypt thanks to a clinical pass from Ahmed Hegazi before putting through the legs of Vozinha. The Egyptians, inspired by this goal, poured everything to find the second, and they were rewarded in the third minute of added time when Mostafa Mohamed, with the wit from his teammate Trézéguet's pass, dank the onrushing Vozinha to make it two for Egypt. However, just six minutes later, Egypt squandered the lead when Bryan Teixeira pounced over Mohamed El Shenawy to seal the deal of the match to a thrilling draw.[14]

This was the first time Cape Verde topped the table of the group stages in an AFCON. Meanwhile, despite three consecutive 2–2 draws, Egypt advanced to the knockout stages, thanks to Ghana dropping two points to Mozambique.

More information Cape Verde, 2–2 ...
Attendance: 15,650[15]
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
Cape Verde
Egypt
GK1Vozinha
RB17Willy Semedo
CB5Logan Costa
CB3Diney
LB16Dylan Tavares
DM26Kevin PinaYellow card 71'downward-facing red arrow 75'
RM20Ryan Mendes (c)downward-facing red arrow 64'
CM6Patrick Andradedownward-facing red arrow 70'
CM18Kenny Rocha Santos
LM11Garry Rodriguesdownward-facing red arrow 64'
CF9Gilson Tavaresdownward-facing red arrow 64'
Substitutions:
FW19Bryan Teixeiraupward-facing green arrow 64'
DF23Steven Moreiraupward-facing green arrow 64'
MF10Jamiro Monteiroupward-facing green arrow 64'
MF8João Pauloupward-facing green arrow 70'
MF13Cucaupward-facing green arrow 75'
Coach:
Bubista
GK16Mohamed El Shenawydownward-facing red arrow 90+12'
RB3Mohamed Hany
CB24Mohamed Abdelmonem
CB6Ahmed Hegazi (c)Yellow card 88'
LB13Ahmed Fatouhdownward-facing red arrow 46'
DM14Marwan Attia
DM5Hamdy Fathydownward-facing red arrow 46'
CM8Emam Ashour
RF25Zizodownward-facing red arrow 74'
CF19Mostafa Mohamed
LF22Omar MarmoushYellow card 63'downward-facing red arrow 83'
Substitutions:
FW7Trézéguetupward-facing green arrow 46'
DF12Mohamed Hamdyupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW11Kahrabaupward-facing green arrow 74'
FW18Mostafa Fathiupward-facing green arrow 83'
GK23Mohamed Abou Gabalupward-facing green arrow 90+12'
Coach:
Portugal Rui Vitória

Man of the Match:
Trézéguet (Egypt)

Assistant referees:
Liban Abdoulrazack (Djibouti)
Steven Moutsassi (Congo)
Fourth official:
Patrice Tanguy (Gabon)
Video assistant referee:
Abongile Tom (South Africa)
Assistant video assistant referees:
Maria Rivet (Mauritius)

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Discipline

Fair play points would have been used as tiebreakers if the overall and head-to-head records of teams were tied. These were calculated based on yellow and red cards received in all group matches as follows:

Only one of the above deductions was applied to a player in a single match.

More information Team, Match 1 ...
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References

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