Second half substitute Garry Rodrigues scored an injury-time winner to break Ghanaian hearts in their AFCON 2023 opener.
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Cape Verde recorded stunning winCape Verde took initial lead but saw it wiped outHave never won the AFCON GettyTELL ME MORE
Cape Verde broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with a free-flowing move. After a quick one-two exchange, right full-back Steven Moreira made a run down the right flank before squaring the ball towards Jovane Cabral, who attempted a first-time shot on goal. Richard Ofori did well to stop the ball but Jamiro Monteiro slotted the ball home from the rebound.
Ghana had a golden opportunity to restore parity just nine minutes after conceding the opening goal as Gideon Mensah kept a perfect cross inside the box for Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer but he failed to keep his shot on target from close range.
Anderlecht star Majeed Ashimeru did find the back of the net in the 36th minute when his long-range shot from nearly 20 yards went straight into the goal but after a long check VAR check, the goal was ruled out as Konigsdorffer was blocking the sight of Cape Valverde goalkeeper Vozinha in an offside position.
The Black Stars finally equalised in the 56th minute when Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew floated in an inch-perfect corner into the box from which Alexander Djiku headed home.
The Blue Sharks then found the winner in stoppage time as substitute Garry Rodrigues scored after a scrappy spell of play inside the Ghana box.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
Despite suffering a heart-breaking defeat, Ghana defender Alexander Djiku was undoubtedly the star performer on the pitch. Except for conceding a yellow card early in the game after a poor challenge near the penalty box, the centre-back remained rock-solid in the backline and even scored his team's only goal.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
Former Manchester United forward Bebe had a night to forget as he failed to score despite coming close on multiple occasions. In the 73rd minute, the forward had a golden chance to put his team in front but his effort was cleared from the goal line by Ghanaian star Djiku. He was fortunate that his lack of proficiency in front of goal did not cost his team.
GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
The Black Stars will be next seen in action against Mohamed Salah's Egypt on January 18. A day later, Bubista's men will take on Mozambique. Egypt and Mozambique played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day.