Ghana attacker Mohammed Kudus gave an extraordinary interview after his side capitulated in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations game.
Ghana looked set to qualify for the last-16 of the AFCON as runners up in Group B even though their destiny was not in their own hands.
Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Cape Verde – played at the same time – meant that a win against Mozambique would have seen the Black Stars through.
However, Ghana conceded two injury time goals after leading 2-0, and now must wait to see if they qualify for the knockouts as one of the best third placed teams.
West Ham attacker Kudus was substituted in the 89th minute with his side 2-0 up, and couldn’t believe what happened.
After the match he gave an interview to GTV Sports+, although interview might be a slight exaggeration. The 23-year-old struggled to process what had happened, and for eight seconds following the first question he just shook his head and looked into the middle distance in disbelief.
Eventually he said: “I’m out of words… I don’t know what to say, man. Thanks to the fans for their support, you know.”
Kudus – who scored twice in Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Egypt last week – was then informed that fans had voted him Player of the Match. Understandably, he wasn’t exactly enthusiastic in his response.
“Thank you everyone for the votes, thank you, thank you,” he said.
Ghana have now won just one of their last 10 matches at AFCON finals, and retain an extremely slim chance of qualifying for the last 16.
Their only hope is to qualify as one of the four best third-place sides from the group stage, but they will need a run of results to go their way for that to happen.
After the Mozambique match, Kudus and his teammates were reportedly prevented from leaving the stadium on time by Ghanaian media.
Chris Houghton will find out their fate by Thursday evening at the latest, meaning Kudus could be back in action for West Ham much sooner than expected.
Kudus was speechless in his post match interview.#AFCON2023 #AFCONonGTVSports pic.twitter.com/nfw4U1KY4o
— GTV SPORTS+ (@mygtvsports) January 22, 2024