Africa Cup of Nations: Ghana vs Cape Verde Live
Preview
Ghana will start their quest for a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, facing Cape Verde in the second match of Group B at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium. The Black Stars had a disappointing performance at AFCON 2021, being eliminated in the group stage, and are determined to avoid a similar early exit this time. Meanwhile, their opponents are aiming to exceed expectations once more.
Ghana’s disappointing early elimination from the previous Cup of Nations was a significant setback for the four-time African champions. It was the first time they had been eliminated so early since the 2006 edition. However, the West African nation has since performed well in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, topping their group despite three draws and three wins in six games. Despite this, there are doubts about their performance, and it remains to be seen if they can overcome their previous disappointing showing at AFCON in Cameroon.
Mohammed Kudus was a standout player in Qatar, and there are high expectations for him to lead the team, which is aiming to win the title for the first time since 1982. However, Ghana will need to raise their game to avoid a repeat of their early exits in 2019 and the previous edition’s group stage departure, where they finished fourth without a victory.
Cape Verde has nothing to fear in the upcoming match on Sunday, as they have the potential to make their opponents, the Black Stars, uncomfortable if they approach the game with the right mindset. Bubista, the coach, has led the team to the finals before, achieving a round of 16 place at Africa Cup of Nations 2021 as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage.
Although facing nations with multiple title wins is a tough challenge, Cape Verde has managed to progress out of the group stage twice in their three appearances at the finals, which could give the team the confidence needed to handle a difficult draw. Despite a recent 2-0 loss to Tunisia, Cape Verde knows that their opponents are under more pressure to win on Sunday, allowing them to play without fear against the Black Stars.
Head-to-head
Ghana has not been defeated in their previous four encounters with Cape Verde, winning all four matches, including their latest meeting with a 2-0 victory in 2013.
Prediction
Ghana had a scoreless match against Namibia in their pre-AFCON friendly, and they might find it difficult to penetrate Cape Verde’s resilient defense in their upcoming game on Sunday.
