Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a bitter pill to swallow, as Jamiro Monteiro’s early strike and a late Garry Rodrigues winner condemned the Black Stars to a 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde.
Despite Alexander Djiku’s equalizer, Ghana’s defensive lapses and finishing woes proved costly on a night where Cape Verde defied expectations.
The Blue Sharks stunned the Ghanaians early, with Monteiro firing home a clinical finish in the 17th minute. Ghana toiled for an equalizer, finally striking through Djiku’s header just past the hour mark. But just as the Black Stars seemed destined for a hard-earned point, Rodrigues popped up in the 92nd minute to snatch the victory with a composed finish.
This result leaves Ghana at the bottom of Group B with nothing to show after one game. Cape Verde, meanwhile, top the group with a surprise three points, followed by Egypt and Mozambique, who played to a 2-2 draw earlier in the day.
Ghana’s coach, Chris Hughton, has a major challenge ahead as he prepares his side to face Egypt on Thursday, January 18. The Pharaohs, despite their own underwhelming draw, will be heavy favourites against a demoralized Black Stars team.
The pressure is on Ghana to bounce back and secure their first points in the tournament.