COSAFA side Comoros Islands caused a major shock at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 victory over continental heavyweights Ghana that bundled the west Africans out of the competition and gave the island nation hope of a second round place.
It was a stunning upset and further proof of the growth of Comoros football over the last few years as they fully deserved their win, but face an anxious wait to see if they advance.
Comoros, with three points in the pool, have an outside chance of going through as one of the best third-placed teams, but their -2 goal-difference could count against them.
The Black Stars finish bottom of the pool and it is the first time in their history they have failed to win at least one group stage game as their dismal campaign came to an end with a humiliating defeat.
El Fardou Ben Mohamed scored Comoros’ first ever goal at the finals in the first half before Ahmed Mogni added a second just past the hour-mark. Richmond Boakye and Alexander Djiku levelled the game up Ghana, but Mogni grabbed a win for the tiny island nation with five minutes remaining.
Ben Mohamed drilled the ball low into the bottom corner of the goal from the edge of the box, before Ghana were reduced to 10 men on 25 minutes.
Kamaldeen Sulemana’s shot was spilled by Comoros goalkeeper Ben Salith Boina, who was caught by the outstretched boot of Dede Ayew as both went for the loose ball.
There is no doubt that the striker was trying to score, and Malien referee Boubou Traore seemed to think nothing of it until prompted to have a look on the pitch-side screen by the Video Assistant Referee. He then changed his decision.
Mogni bagged a second for Comoros, but Ghana gave themselves hope by dragging the game back to 2-2.
Boakye’s looping header from a corner found its way into the net, before Djiku scored at the back post from another set-piece.
But as they pushed forward in search of a winner, Ghana were always going to be vulnerable at the back and Mogni was able to score a famous winner for Comoros from close-range.
