AFCON 2017: History of matches between Ghana, Mozambique

Ghana will be playing Mozambique in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers starting next week.

The first is on 24 March in Accra and the return leg three days later in Maputo.

GHANASoccernet.com takes you through the history of matches played between the two sides.

Ghana and Mozambique met for the first time in 1996 at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein in African Cup of Nations Group D.

The game was played on 25 January in 1996 with Ghana beating Mozambique 2-0 at the end.

Kwame Ayew and Felix Aboagye scored on the 42nd and 68th minutes to hand Ghana victory.

Ghana paraded a strong squad on that day.

Simon Addo (GK), Frank Amankwah, Isaac Asare (Stephen Baidoo), Afo Dodoo, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Joachim Yaw Acheampong, Felix Aboagye, Kwame Ayew (Daniel Addo), Tony Yeboah and Abedi Pele (Ablade Kumah).

Brazilian gaffer Ismael Kurtz was the trainer for the Black Stars during AFCON 1996.

The second meeting between the two countries came on 14th January, 1998 in an International Friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The match ended a scoreless draw.

Richard Kingson, Mohammed Gargo, Emmanuel Tetteh, Richard John Ackon, Adjetey Adjei, Ebenezer Dadzie, Daniel Edusei, Joe Fameyeh, Kamara Dini, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Jacob Nettey, Princeton Owusu Ansah and Yaw Sakyi featured for the Black Stars against the Mambas of Mozambique.

Dutch tactician Rinus Israel guided Ghana to the draw.

Five days later, Ghana and Mozambique engaged in a second friendly at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It was the third time both nations were meeting.

Israel named Simon Addo, Princeton Owusu Ansah, Emmanuel Tetteh, Alex Nyarko, Richard John Ackon, Foster Bastios, Daniel Edusei, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Charles Akonnor, Mohammed Gargo and Peter Ofori Quaye for the match against the Mambas on the 19th January, 1998.

Three goals from Charles Akonnor, Mohammed Gargo and Emmanuel Osei Kuffour gave Ghana a 3-1 victory.

Manuel Bacuane "Tico Tico" got the consolation for the Southern Africa country.

The fourth and last time Ghana played Mozambique was on 24January, 1999 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

It was an African Cup of Nations 2000 qualifier.

A 54th minute strike from Charles Akonnor separated Ghana from Mozambique in the epic encounter.

Italian coach Guiseppe Dossena was trainer of the Black Stars.

Richard Kingson, Christian Atta Gyan, Samuel Johnson, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Alex Nyarko, Augustine Arhinful, Peter Ofori Quaye (Kwame Ayew), Charles Akonnor, Patrick Allotey, Ebenezer Dugbartey and Mark Edusei starred for Ghana.

All in all, Ghana and Mozambique have met four times with Ghana winning three and managing a draw.

Mozambique have never won against Ghana in any match (competitive or friendly).