The Black Stars of Ghana lost their first game of the AFCON 2023 against a resilient Cape Verde side on Sunday evening in Abidjan.
Ghana started the game on a high note at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the early minutes of the game. However, Cape Verde suddenly took over and dominated the game till the deadlock was broken in the 17th minute.
Jamiro Monteiro comfortably planted the ball into the net after Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori parried a long struck shot. Ghana again immediately took charge of the game making attacking incursions.
Ghana’s Majeed Ashimeru found the net for Ghana after a clean strike behind the penalty box. However the goal was ruled out after the referee consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The goal was not taken due to an offside and obstruction from Ransford Yeboah.
Alexander Djiku scored from a set-piece delivered by Jordan Ayew after the break to restore parity for Ghana. The game looked like it will end in a stalement but Garry Rodrigues scored the winning goal in injury time after Ghana defenders failed to clear the ball to give the Blue Sharks the maximum points.
Ghana will play Egypt in their next game while Cape Verde take on Mozambique.
