Cape Verde stunned Ghana with a dramatic late winner to top Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations group after matchday one.
Hours before the game, Egypt had rescued a late point as they drew 2-2 with Mozambique in their opening game, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s late penalty.
Hoping to capitalize on Egypt’s draw, Ghana boss Chris Hughton entered the game with an experienced squad led by the likes of Jordan Ayew, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu.
On the other hand, former Man Utd striker Bebé led Cape Verde’s attacking lineup with Sporting CP loanee Jovane Cabral and country legend Ryan Mendes.
Ghana XI: Richard Ofori, Denis Odoi, Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah, Majeed Ashimeru, Baba Idrissu, Jordan Ayew, Ransford Yeboah, Joseph Painstil.
Cape Verde XI: Vózinha, Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Pico, João Paulo; Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina, Jamiro Monteiro, Ryan Mendes, Jovane Cabral, Bebé.
Just 17 minutes into the game, Jamiro Monteiro gave Cape Verde an unexpected lead after Richard Ofori palmed Jovane Cabral’s powerful effort into the goalscorer’s path for him to tap into the empty net.
In the 36th minute, Majeed Ashimeru thought he put Ghana back on level terms; however, his goal was ruled out for offside.
Ghana did indeed get their equaliser through defender Alexander Djiku after he headed in Jordan Ayew’s corner in the 56th minute to make it 1-1.
With just a few minutes left on the clock, a horrendous defensive mixup among Ghana’s defence saw Mohammed Salisu fail to deal with a high ball for Garry Rodrigues to tap the ball into the empty net.
The 92nd-minute winner ensured that Cape Verde now sit top of group B with three points, two ahead of Egypt and Mozambique, while Ghana sit bottom with zero points.
Cape Verde will now face Mozambique in matchday two and a win would see them reach the round of 16 before their final game against Egypt.
On the other hand, a defeat for Ghana against Egypt in three days would mean that the Black Stars could only qualify as one of the best four third-placements.