After some Ghanaian fans caused trouble during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined the Ghana Football Association (GFA) $15,000.
The incident is reported to have occurred during Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, during the Black Stars’ first group match against Cape Verde.
According to a statement from the Ghana Football Association, tear gas was used after security personnel noticed that two groups of Ghanaian supporters got into a fight at stand N°18 during halftime.
Going into stoppage time Ghana had a 2-0 lead, sitting second in Group B and moving on to the knockouts. Then:
90+1’—Mozambique 1-2 Ghana
90+4’—Mozambique 2-2 GhanaThe Black Stars finish third with two points and need a lot of help to advance 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/PNZMS6nbh8
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 22, 2024
After reviewing all the information, the CAF Disciplinary Board decided to fine the Ghana FA $15,000.
“The Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a fine of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) on the Ghana Football Association over fans trouble in the Africa Cup of Nations Match 4 game between Ghana and Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024,” the statement reads.
“The Safety and Security Official reported that two groups of supporters from Ghana were involved in a scuffle at half-time at the stand N°18. There was use of tear gas during the incident.”
It added: “The Disciplinary Board took the decision after examining all the facts, allegations, legal arguments, and evidence submitted in the context of these proceedings.
“The Ghana Football Association is expected to pay the fine within 60 days of the date of the decision.”
In the meantime, Mozambique rallied late to earn a 2-2 draw at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, ending the Black Stars’ tournament group phase without a victory.
Jordan Ayew’s two excellent penalties at the beginning and end of the half gave Chris Hughton’s team the advantage going into the last few minutes of play.
But in the 91st minute of injury time, Mozambique cut the deficit in half thanks to a skillful penalty kick by Geny Catamo after Andre Ayew, the substitute, handled the ball in the penalty area.
Reinildo Mandava broke the hearts of the Ghanaians three minutes later when he headed a corner kick into the net to equalize the score.
As for Ghana, they are about to lose the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a draw by Mozambique on Monday night.
As a result, Ghana is now down to just two points in Group B and has very little chance of making it to the round of 16.