Huge surprise on the second day of the AFCON 2023. The Ghanaian Black Stars have just lost their first match of the competition against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde with a score of 2-1 this Sunday.
After Egypt, which almost lost its first match of this 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Ghanaians were surprised by Cape Verde in Group B. A regular participant in the AFCON, the Black Stars continue their negative trend after the defeat against the Comoros in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the draw against Namibia in preparation for this AFCON 2023.
Surprised early on by Cape Verde in the 17th minute with a goal from Jamiro Monteiro, Ghana will try to react just before halftime. While Majeed Ashimeru thought he had restored parity in the 37th minute, the goal was disallowed for an offside position. In the second half, Alexander Djiku managed to bring Ghana back to level terms. Following this goal, Chris Hughton, the Ghanaian coach, made substitutions with the introductions of Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams to try to secure the victory.
Unfortunately, it was the Cape Verdeans who created the sensation with the winning goal in injury time. On a beautiful move by Gilson Tavares, Garry Rodrigues secured the three points for his team by scoring his eighth goal for the national team. Thanks to this victory, Cape Verde takes the lead in Group B ahead of Egypt and Mozambique.
Bottom of the group after this first day, Ghana will have a tough task against Egypt next Thursday in the clash of this group to try to bounce back, while the Sharks can already qualify with a victory against the Mozambique Mambas, who held their ground against the Egyptians this Sunday.
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