AFCON 2023: Cape Verde Score Late to Hand Ghana Opening Day Defeat

• The Black Stars have suffered defeat in their Group B opener
• Cape Verde scored late to steal all three points from Ghana
• Ghana will next face seven-time champions Egypt in Abidjan

Garry Rodrigues scored in additional time as Cape Verde surprised Ghana with an opening-day victory over the four-time African champions in their Group B opener.

The Blue Sharks got off to a bright start after Jamiro Monteiro gave them an early lead, but the Black Stars levelled after the break through Fenerbache defender, Alexander Djiku.

The result now sees Cape Verde on top of the group after Egypt shared the spoils with Mozambique in the group's other game.

In an explosive start to the game, it was Cape Verde who created early chances and made it count after former Manchester United striker, Bebe, pulled a save from Richard Ofori. But Monteiro was at the right place to finish off for the opener after 17 minutes.

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Majeed Ashimeru had the ball in the net in the 36th minute after firing from outside the box, but after a Video Assistant Referee check, the goal was disallowed.

Following the break, the Black Stars applied pressure on Cape Verde, leading to a sequence of set-pieces, one of which ultimately resulted in the equalizer. At the hour mark, Jordan Ayew delivered a corner, and Djiku rose to meet it, resulting in the Black Stars leveling the score.

Bebe came close to giving Cape Verde the winner later on, but Djiku was at the right place to deny him before Jovane Carbral pulled a great save from Ofori.

While Ghana were in search of a winner, the Blue Sharks quickly capitalized on a throw-in which was poorly cleared, falling into the path of Rodrigues for the winner.

Iddrisu Baba was close to finding the equalizer but the header went inches wide.

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The Black Stars will next face Egypt, while Cape Verde engages Mozambique.

Odoi's family arrive in Abidjan to watch AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Denis Odoi's family travelled from Belgium to watch the defender feature for the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Belgian-born defender switched allegiance to represent Ghana at international level in 2022 and has since been a regular member of the Black Stars.

Odoi was named in Ghana's final squad for the tournament and started the first game for the Black Stars against Cape Verde.