Abidjan, (CIV): Cape Verde secured a 2-1 victory over Ghana, while Egypt faced a late scare against Mozambique in a 2-2 draw, and Equatorial Guinea held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 on Sunday.
Cape Verde emerged victorious in their clash against Ghana, as Garry Rodrigues scored a late winner to seal a 2-1 triumph.
The Black Stars faced an early setback when Jamiro Monteiro found the net in the 17th minute. Although Alexander Djiku equalized for Ghana in the second half, Rodrigues’ late goal secured three points for Cape Verde, placing them at the top of Group D.
In another dramatic encounter, Egypt captain Mohammed Salah rescued his team with a late goal against Mozambique.
Despite Mohamed Mostafa giving Egypt an early lead, Witness Quembo and Clesio Bauque’s goals put Mozambique ahead.
However, Salah’s penalty in the closing stages secured a 2-2 draw. Egypt is set to face Ghana in their next fixture.
Equatorial Guinea held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in a Group A clash. Ivan Salvador’s composed finish put Equatorial Guinea in the lead, but Victor Osimhen’s header levelled the score.
Nigeria, eager for a second goal, faced a resilient Equatorial Guinea defence.
The result leaves Cote d’Ivoire at the top of Group A, while Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria share a point above Guinea-Bissau.
Up next, all eyes will be on the clash between Nigeria and tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire, while Equatorial Guinea aims to build on their performance against a wounded Guinea-Bissau.
The unpredictable outcomes in the opening matches have set the stage for an exciting AFCON 2023 tournament.
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