CAN 2023: Cape Verde won, Angola is missing.

The 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023) began with great expectation and excitement, revealing surprises and disappointments in the first clashes, providing fans with unforgettable and surprising moments.

The first games revealed not only the individual talent of the players, but also the competitive dynamics between the participating teams. However, the spotlight turned to Ivory Coast's debut against Guinea-Bissau, while Ghana struggled against Cape Verde. Furthermore, defending champion Senegal showed its strength in defense against Gambia.

Ghana Disappoints Against Cape Verde

Ghana, after a disappointing performance in the previous edition of CAN, yearned for redemption in CAN 2023. However, they faced a significant setback when they lost to Cape Verde 1-2. Gary Rodrigues emerged as the Cape Verdean hero when he scored the winning goal in extra time.

Manager Chris Hughton expressed deep disappointment, highlighting the bitterness of the defeat and the mounting pressure as Ghana now sit bottom of Group B.

The first part

In the first quarter of an hour, Cape Verde demonstrated dominance, with 63% possession of the ball, reflecting a commitment to the offensive approach. The reward came in the 17th minute, when Jamiro Monteiro scored after an action started in midfield and a split of passes between three players. Despite Ghana's attempts to react, Cape Verde maintained a solid defense.

Ghana had their first shot in the 27th minute, from a Mensah center from the left, taken by Königsdörffer. Unfortunately, the shot did not find the opposing goal. In the 35th minute, Ghana's pressure increased, but Cape Verde maintained its defensive solidity.

The Second Part

In the second half, Djiku equalized with a header in the 55th minute, from a corner. Ghana intensified its offensive efforts, but Cape Verde resisted. In the 64th minute, Nuamah had an opportunity to equalize but his shot was blocked. Ghana largely dominated possession of the ball, balancing the game.

In the 66th minute, Bebé took advantage of a bad pass from Ghana, but Djiku managed to intercept his shot. Again in the 71st minute, Bebé tried a shot, but it was blocked. Despite pressure from Ghana, Cape Verde remained firm.

In the 82nd minute, Cabral reinvigorated the fans with a run at goal, but Ofori made a crucial save. In the 89th minute, Ofori made another save against Rodrigues. The latter, in the last minutes, scored thanks to Ghanaian errors in a Cape Verdean throw-in. Ghana almost equalized, but a Ghanaian header missed the target.

With this victory, Cape Verde demonstrated its dominance over Ghana, taking the lead in Group B with 3 points, followed by Mozambique (1 point) and Egypt (1 point). Ghana, now in last place, face significant challenges as they progress in the competition. The Cape Verdean team proved to be strategically solid, promising more surprises in this CAN 2023.

Senegal vs. Gambia

Reigning African champions Senegal began their title defense with a convincing victory over Gambia. The Lions of Teranga defeated the Scorpions 3-0, highlighted by the impressive performance of Lamine Camara, who scored two goals. The FC Metz midfielder was elected Man of the Match, leaving an indelible mark on his debut in this CAN 2023.

Senegal entered the field with determination to maintain its prominent position in African football. Facing Gambia, the Lions of Teranga wasted no time in showing their quality. Opening the scoring in the 6th minute with a goal from Pape Guèye, Senegal immediately established their supremacy in the game.

Back from the dressing room, the Lions scored the second goal with Lamine Camara who showed great form. Served by Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr provided a perfect pass for Camara to score the second goal with a shot crossed from a tight angle. The young FC Metz midfielder didn't stop there; he got his second goal with a well-aimed shot from outside the box.

Senegal's solid defense was one of the highlights of the match, reflecting the consistency that led them to the title in 2021. With 14 wins in their last 19 African competition games, the Teranga Lions showed they are a force to be reckoned with. The next challenge against Guinea promises to be a further test of Senegal's defensive robustness.

Upcoming Games

As CAN 2023 continues, anticipation grows for the next meetings, where we will have two more former CAN winners, Algeria (2019) and Cameroon (2017). Cameroon, deprived of Aboubakar, will face Guinea and Algeria, eager to redeem itself from its early elimination in the last edition, will face Angola.

Angola also makes its debut at CAN 2023, facing Algeria. This clash promises to be a crucial test for both teams looking for a good campaign in the CAN. Angola's performance will be closely watched by fans, eager to see how the team will fare in this extremely competitive competition.

Cameroon, champions in 2017, face challenges with the non-selection of Eric Choupo-Moting, François-Régis Mughe's refusal to respond to Rigobert Song's call-up and André Onana's decision to join Ivory Coast only on Sunday at night, after the game between Manchester United and Tottenham.

Algeria, winners in 2019, arrives in Côte d'Ivoire with a strong desire to redeem itself. Coach Djamel Belmadi, adopting a humble approach, prefers to approach the competition step by step. The first step is to face Angola (20h GMT). Absent from the last edition, the Angolans have a history of starting well in the CAN, with one win and four draws in the last five opening games.

Conclusion

The first games of CAN 2023 provided surprises and some disappointments. Ghana disappointed, while Cape Verde surprised and leads Group B. Angola will face a great competitive challenge against Algeria, while Senegal demonstrated its defensive strength.

As the competition progresses, fans expect more emotions and twists in the upcoming matches, making this CAN 2023 an unmissable spectacle for football lovers.

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See also:

CAN 2023: Guinea-Bissau Starts Losing

CAN 2023: Cape Verde Summons 5 Players In Portugal

CAN 2023: 5 PALOP Countries Qualified

CAN 2023: PALOP with strong opponents

Picture: © 2024 DR