Cape Verde upset Ghana with stoppage-time winner

Cape Verde upset Ghana with a stoppage-time winner to go top of Group B at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Garry Rodrigues tapped into an empty net in the 92nd minute after a mix-up in the Black Stars defence.

Jamiro Monteiro had put the islanders ahead and Ghana then had a goal ruled out for offside before half-time.

Alexander Djiku did equalise with a stooping header, but Ghana keeper Richard Ofori made two big saves before Rodrigues pounced to grab victory.

Cape Verde move two points clear in Group B after Egypt drew 2-2 with Mozambique earlier on Sunday.

Yet what may previously have been a shock defeat for four-time Afcon winners Ghana may not be viewed as a major upset given the mere 12 places separating the sides in the world rankings.

The West Africans suffered a group stage exit at the 2021 finals, while Cape Verde reached the last 16 before falling to eventual champions Senegal, and recent performances and results from Chris Hughton’s Black Stars have been underwhelming.

Ofori had stuck out his left foot to deny the lively Jovane Cabral and also parried away a shot from Rodrigues before Benchimol set up his fellow substitute to spark passionate scenes as the Blue Sharks players celebrated with supporters in the stands.