By Michael Okuley in Abidjan
Ghana began her quest for an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a humiliating 2–1 loss to Cape Verde in an unforgettable last-gasp triumph due to substitute Garry Rodrigues’ stoppage-time goal.
The Black Stars faced an embarrassing group stage elimination in 2021, so they were desperate to make up for lost time in the Ivory Coast. Cape Verde, who were making only their fourth tournament participation and had only won two games in the competition before, stood in their way as they began their campaign.
The Blue Sharks were the superior team before halftime, though, as they exerted pressure on the Black Stars despite their relatively small height.
There were few clear-cut opportunities, but the one that did come through was when Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori palmed Jovane Cabral’s strong first-time shot into the goalscorer’s net. Jamiro Monteiro took advantage of the opportunity.
Although Majeed Ashimeru’s incredible long-range strike put the ball in the net just before extra time, Chris Hughton’s team did not provide much of a reaction. Earlier, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer had hit the post.
However, the attempt was ultimately dismissed for offside because Königsdorffer was positioned offside and obstructed Cape Verde shot-blocker Vozinha’s line of sight.
Black Sharks continued where they left off before the break, attacking with intent and causing the Ghana backline plenty of problems. They could not double their advantage though, and before too long, Ghana were back on level terms.
Within 15 minutes of the restart, Jordan Ayew swung in a corner that Alexander Djiku bundled into the bottom corner to restore parity. The comeback was almost complete in the following minutes, but the dynamic Joseph Paintsil could only shoot wide at the back post with the goal at his mercy.
Djiku was just as crucial at the other end, first producing a last-gasp tackle to stop Bebé from shooting in the area before clearing the former Manchester United forward’s shot off the line. Ofori then needed to be alert to keep out Cabral and Rodrigues attempts as Cape Verde looked to cause an upset. There was nothing the goalkeeper could do, though, to keep out Rodrigues’ 92nd-minute tap-in following an embarrassing mix-up at the heart of the defence.
The win puts Cape Verde on top of Group E with 3 points following Egypts and Mozambique’s 2-2 draw in the previous game.
Ghana faces Egypt on Thursday 18, 2023 in the second group in a must-win duel to reform their campaign in Abidjan.
