Ghana, a major title contender, boasts four African Cup of Nations trophies and five runner-up finishes in AFCON history. Cape Verde, a country with less than 600,000 inhabitants, had a different game plan in the closing of the first day of AFCON 2023.

Cape Verde dominated the match with 5 shots on target and 54% possession, owning the game and scoring at the 17th minute. Although Ghana had a goal disallowed by VAR and equalized with their only shot on target at the 56th minute. Cabo Verde, in injury time at 90+2', regained the lead and won with Garry Rodríguez leading the way.

Cape will sleep as the sole leader of Group B after the 2-2 draw between Egypt and Mozambique. They will face Mozambique on January 19, while Ghana and Egypt will clash in the much-anticipated showdown in Group B.