AFCON 2023: Jordan Ayew Explains Why Ghana Lost to Cape Verde

• Ghana suffered an agonizing defeat in their opening 2023 AFCON match
• The Black Stars lost 2-1 to Cape Verde after conceding in injury time
• Jordan Ayew feels the team lacks one important quality

Ghana made the worst possible start to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

They were stunned 2-1 by Cape Verde in their opening Group B match, in the first upset of the tournament.

Veteran Black Stars forward Jordan Ayew says the team lacks one quality they needed to beat Cape Verde.

Jamiro Monteiro put the Blue Sharks ahead in the 17th minute after Richard Ofori parried a powerful shot.

The Black Stars levelled matters through Majeed Ashimeru, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Alexander Djiku scored Ghana's only goal in the 56th minute.

Chris Hughton's side conceded a late goal in the 92nd minute as Garry Rodrigues tapped into an empty net to hand Ghana a painful defeat, per BBC.

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Ghana failed to go past the group stage in the 2021 tournament, and a defeat in their first game in Ivory Coast was the last thing they expected.

Ayew on Ghana's defeat to Cape Verde

The Crystal Palace forward said the team lacks the experience to compete at AFCON.

"We lack experience. You can say anything, but at the end of the day, more than 10 of the players are playing their first AFCON, so these mistakes will happen. So we need to learn quickly because AFCON is not waiting for anyone. We are men, and we need to stand up," via Joel Bortey.

Ghana are not considered favourites in this tournament, but considering they went out in the group stages last time, expectations are high for them to make amends.

The Black Stars' last AFCON win came in the 2019 edition. They still have to face seven-time champions Egypt and Mozambique, who drew 2-2 in the other Group B match.

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Ghana touch down in Ivory Coast in style

Ghana stole the show when they landed in Ivory Coast last week. The Black Stars sported colourful traditional kente attire, as Sports Brief reported earlier.

They were dressed in immaculate all-white kaftans; all players and staff added a touch of vibrancy with carefully woven kente fabric draped over their attire.

The Kente cloth is a powerful symbol of Ghanaian culture, renowned worldwide for its enchanting beauty, elaborate designs, and profound cultural importance.