Four-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Ghana were knocked out of the 2021 edition of the tournament following a shock defeat to Comoros on Tuesday night. The final Group C encounter between the Black Stars and The Coelacanths which took place inside the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua saw the former recording a 3-2 loss after being reduced to 10-men early on.

Comoros' historic night was ushered in just four minutes into the proceeding with skipper Ben El Fardou finising off a brilliant counter-attacking move to score the country's first-ever goal at the continental tournament. 20 minutes later, their cause was helped further after Ghana's captain Andre Dede Ayew was punished for injurying goalkeeper Ali Ahamada. With the match referee having intially overlooked the incident, a review by the Video Assistant Referee revealed that the former West Ham and Swansea attacker catch the face of the Comoros shot-stopper in his attempt to get onto a shot he spilled.

A moment of history! Comoros score their FIRST ever goal at the Africa Cup of Nations

A clinical counter attack is perfectly finished off by El Fardou Ben Nabouhane pic.twitter.com/0Wf1KZ0Xps

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 18, 2022

The AFCON debutants were then forced to substitute their No.1 and went into the break with a man advantage. In the 61st minute, Annecy's Ahmed Mogni doubled their advantage before the Black Stars leveled the playing field with two goals through substitute Richmond Boakye Yiadom and defender Alexander Djiku.

Things go from bad to worse for Ghana as captain André Ayew is shown a straight red card. Right decision? #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ecqSDQ2Dcc

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) January 18, 2022

Milovan Rajevac's men pursued the all important goal which would have sent them to the knockout stage but failed in their attempts. Another momentary lapse in defense resulted in the 2015 finalists conceding another Ahmed Mogni goal which ultimately handed Comoros their first-ever win at the tournament. With Gabon and Morocco drawing 2-2 in Yaounde, the Black Stars of Ghana finished at the bottom of Group C with just one point - their worst ever return at the Africa Cup of Nations since its inception. 

Morocco emerged as group winners with seven points while Gabon and Comoros occupied second and third with five and three points respectively. 

H.I.S.T.O.R.I.C.A.L

An unforgettable night for #TeamComoros #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 l #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/Hm3fBKtwCx

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2022