Cape Verde stuns Ghana with stoppage-time winner in AFCON thriller
In a stunning game at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Cape Verde Islands pulled off a remarkable 2-1 victory over four-time AFCON champions Ghana in Group B, with Garry Rodrigues delivering a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
That was the third match of the day in Abidjan, following Nigeria’s draw with Equatorial Guinea in Group A and Egypt’s last-gasp penalty to secure a draw against Mozambique in the opening Group B match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
Cape Verde seized the lead in the 17th minute. Dutch-born Rodrigues shot was parried by Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori, presenting Jamiro Monteiro with an opportunity to slot home from close range.
Ghana responded in the second half, equalizing 11 minutes after the restart. Alexander Djiku capitalized on a corner from Jordan Ayew, stooping to head home as Cape Verde’s defense struggled to clear the ball from an innocuous delivery.
As the thrilling contest unfolded, Garry Rodrigues emerged as the hero for Cape Verde, securing the victory with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The result leaves Ghana in a precarious position, setting the stage for a crucial encounter against Egypt on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Ghana’s fate hangs in the balance, and a defeat against Egypt could potentially lead to group stage elimination, echoing their fate in the last AFCON in Cameroon. The upcoming clash promises high stakes and intense competition as both teams vie for advancement in the prestigious tournament.
