Mozambique vs Ghana Prediction: Starboy Kudus to lead Black Stars to their first victory

The Africa Cup of Nations Group B stage is nearing its end this week, and Ghana is determined to sustain its chances of qualification by facing Mozambique at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Monday night.

Mozambique has endured a 12-year wait to make a return to the AFCON, having missed out on qualification for the last six editions. The task at hand for them to stay in the competition is identical to that of their opponents in this match. However, historical statistics do not favor The Mambas, as they have never secured a victory in the group stage of an AFCON. Over five tournaments, including the current one, they have lost 12 matches and drawn two.

Moreover, Mozambique has never managed to keep a clean sheet in the premier continental competition, conceding a total of 31 goals to date. They have allowed two or more goals in 13 out of their 14 AFCON matches. A failure to keep a clean sheet in the upcoming match would see The Mambas equalling Zimbabwe as the teams that have gone the longest period (15 games) without recording a single clean sheet in this competition.

Chiquinho Conde's team came remarkably close to breaking their AFCON drought in their opening match against Egypt. They rallied from behind to take a 2-1 lead, but their hopes were shattered when a late penalty was awarded against them in stoppage time, which Mohamed Salah converted to spare The Pharaoh's blushes. Unfortunately, The Mambas couldn't build on that performance in their second match against Cape Verde. Defensive errors led to a comprehensive 3-0 defeat, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

Ghana's journey in the tournament two years ago ended in disappointment as they finished at the bottom of their group. A loss in this crucial match would see them repeat that fate, finishing at the bottom of Group B this year. The Black Stars started the tournament on a sour note, being outplayed by group leaders Cape Verde and suffering a 3-0 defeat, putting them under early pressure.

In the second match against Egypt, Chris Hughton's side, despite being the underdogs, delivered a better performance. Despite taking the lead twice, they couldn't secure a win and had to settle for a draw. This result extended Ghana's winless streak in AFCON matches to six, marking their longest-ever such run in the competition's six-decade history.

Even if Ghana secures a victory over Mozambique, it may not guarantee automatic qualification if Egypt beats Cape Verde in the other match. However, accumulating four points would likely be sufficient for The Black Stars to finish as one of the best third-placed teams.

In the six encounters between Mozambique and Ghana, the Black Stars have maintained an undefeated record, securing four wins and two draws. The most recent meeting took place in a goalless draw during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash in March 2016. Mozambique has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games across all competitions.

Notably, the Mambas currently have the least impressive defensive record in Group B, conceding a total of five goals. As they face Ghana, a team with a history of success against them, Mozambique will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities to improve their chances in this matchup.

Mozambique possible starting lineup:

Ernani; Mandava, Dove, Mexer, Macandza; Guima, Amade, Witi, Bauque; Gildo, Ratifio

Ghana possible starting lineup:

Ofori; Odoi, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah, Ashimeru; Paintsil, Konigsdorffer; Ayew, Kudus, Williams

Mozambique has not secured a victory in their last four matches, managing just one win in their last seven games across all competitions. Although they have faced difficulties in this particular fixture, they are determined to achieve success when it matters the most. Similarly, Ghana has been without a win in their last four matches and has only won one of their last seven. Despite lackluster performances in their recent two games, the considerable difference in class and quality between the two teams should favor the Black Stars in securing a victory in this match.