Cape Verde pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over Ghana on Sunday in the second Group B match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium.
In a dramatic and intense encounter, Cape Verde took a surprise lead in the 17th minute through Jamiro Monteiro after Garry Rodrigues’ shot was parried into his path by Ghana keeper Richard Ofori.
Ghana thought they had equalized 10 minutes before halftime when Majeed Ashimeru scored a long-range rocket. But after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed due to Ransford Konigsdorffer being ruled offside and interfering with play.
The Black Stars finally found the equalizer in the 56th minute as defender Alexander Djiku rose highest to head home Jordan Ayew’s corner. However, the joy was short-lived for Ghana.
As the match moved into injury time, Cape Verde substitute Gilson Benchimol delivered an incisive pass to release Rodrigues through on goal, and the winger coolly slotted past Ofori to snatch a late winner.
The 2-1 victory was Cape Verde’s first ever over Ghana in the AFCON. The upset result throws Group B wide open ahead of Cape Verde’s next match against Mozambique on Friday, while Ghana will look to bounce back against Egypt on Thursday.
The earlier Group B game saw Mohamed Salah convert a stoppage-time penalty to spare Egypt’s blushes in a 2-2 draw with Mozambique, playing at their first finals since 2010.
