Day two, and Garry Rodrigues’ very late winner means Cape Verde get all 3 points, bringing enough of the much needed early drama in the tournament.

Garry Rodrigues scored late to hand Cape Verde all three points against the Black Stars of Ghana in their first game of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. 

Cape Verde took a deserved lead in the 17th minutes through Jamiro Monteiro. The San Jose Earthquakes midfielder was in the penalty box to tap home from a loose ball from goalkeeper, Richard Ofori. 

Ghana’s midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru had what could have been an equalizer disallowed after VAR checks by referee Jean Jacques Ndola Ngambo. 

Alexander Djiku got the equalizer for Ghana, 11 minutes into the second half. The defender headed in from a Jordan Ayew ball to draw Ghana level. 

After scoring, Djiku cleared his lines when a Cape Verde effort beat Richard Ofori. 

With just 6 minutes to end the game, substitute, Garry Rodrigues restored Cape Verde’s lead after e capitalized on a defensive blunder from the Ghanaian defense to tap into an empty net. 

Cape Verde are now top of Group D with three points. 

Ghana will play Egypt next Thursday, 18 January at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny. [Source: CAF]

Day two saw Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, and Equatorial Guinea pick points each in their opening matches.