Four-time champions Ghana were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations after crashing 3-2 to minnows Comoros in Group C on Tuesday in Garoua.
The Black Stars had captain Andre Ayew sent off after 25 minutes and, after wiping out a two-goal deficit, lost when Comoros’ Ahmed Mogni scored his second goal five minutes from time.
Morocco and Gabon drew 2-2 in Yaounde in the same group to retain first and second places respectively and qualify for the round of 16, which kicks off on Sunday.
Comoros, representing a tiny island nation off the south east coast of Africa, finished third and must wait until Thursday to know if they are among the best four third-placed teams, who get last 16 spots.
We did not back down even after Ghana equalised. We always believed we could achieve a famous victory for our nation,” said Comoros coach Amir Abdou, who has been in charge since 2014.
“I sent on attacking players in the belief that we could score a third goal and my decision paid off. Now we must wait to see if we are among the best four third-placed teams and play in the second round.
“We are satisfied with the way we played. We had a plan and stuck to it. We learnt from the mistakes we made in previous games. Obviously, I’m unhappy that we conceded twice, but we will improve.”
Serbian-born Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said he would not resign despite his team finishing last with just one point.
“I came to Ghana to qualify the team for the World Cup. That is my primary target,” he said.
“I will stay and lead the team in the March play-offs,” he added.
A draw in Douala on Saturday will decide whether Ghana face Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia or Nigeria in a two-leg play-off with the winners qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.