2023 AFCON: Ghana v Cape Verde report

Day two of the Africa Cup of Nations concluded with the first major upset as Cape Verde secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Ghana in their Group B opener at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Date: 14 January 2024

Ghana (0) 1 (Djiku 56′)

Cape Verde (1) 2 (Monteiro 17′, Rodrigues 90+2′)

Ghana: R. Ofori, D. Odoi, A. Djiku, M. Salisu, G. Mensah, M. Ashimeru (S. Abdul Samed 88′), I. Baba, J. Paintsil (E. Nuamah 62′), R. Koenigsdoerffer (A. Ayew 62′), J. Ayew, A. Semenyo (I. Williams 62′).

Cape Verde: Vozinha, S. Moreira, L. Costa, Pico, J. Paulino, D. Duarte (K. Santos 68′), K. Lenini, J. Monteiro (L. Duarte 84′), R. Mendes (G. Rodrigues 68′), Bebe (W. Semedo 75′), J. Cabral (G. Benchimol 84′).

First 45′: The Black Stars struggled to impose themselves on the game in the first half and fell behind on 17 minutes when Jamiro Monteiro slotted home on the rebound after Richard Ofori had saved Jovane Cabral’s initial strike from range. Ransford Koenigsdoerffer came close to equalising 19 minutes later as he hit the right post from close range and Majeed Ashimeru thought he had scored soon afterwards, although the goal was chalked off following a VAR review.

Second 45′: Chris Hughton’s side finally hit back 11 minutes into the second half after Alexander Djiku headed home from a corner and they nearly went ahead on the hour mark when Joseph Paintsil fired inches wide of the near post from close range on the right. But Cape Verde smelled blood in the water as the clock ticked down and they ramped up the pressure, getting their reward in the 92nd minute through Garry Rodrigues, who fired past Ofori from inside the box to clinch all three points.

What the result means: Cape Verde moved into top spot in Group B, two points ahead of Egypt, who could only manage a 2-2 draw with Mozambique earlier in the evening, while Ghana find themselves bottom with lots of work to do.

What’s next: The Black Stars will be desperate for a result when they face the Pharaohs on Thursday, January 18 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, with the Blue Sharks taking on the Mambas at the same venue on Friday, January 19.