Cape Verde stun Ghana in a late goal

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire

Garry Rodrigues scored late to hand Cape Verde all three points against the Black Stars of Ghana in their first game of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023. 

Garry Rodrigues

Cape Verde took a deserved lead in the 17th minutes through Jamiro Monteiro. The San Jose Earthquakes midfielder was in the penalty box to tap home from a loose ball from goalkeeper, Richard Ofori. 

ALSO READ: Late penalty rescues Egypt in the hands of Mambas

Ghana’s midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru had what could have been an equalizer disallowed after VAR checks by referee Jean Jacques Ndola Ngambo. 

Alexander Djiku got the equalizer for Ghana, 11 minutes into the second half. The defender headed in from a Jordan Ayew ball to draw Ghana level. 

After scoring, Djiku cleared his lines when a Cape Verde effort beat Richard Ofori. 

ALSO READ: Equatorial Guinea frustrated Nigeria with a 1-1 stalemate

With just 6 minutes to end the game, substitute, Garry Rodrigues restored Cape Verde’s lead after e capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Ghanaian defense to tap into an empty net. 

The Black Stars stands as one of the most consistent teams in AFCON history, trailing only behind Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire.

Cape Verde are now top of Group D with three points. 

Ghana will play Egypt next Thursday, 18 January at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.