If the outcomes of the opening matches at the Africa Cup of Nations are indicative, this tournament promises to be filled with surprises.
Cape Verde stun Ghana
Cape Verde’s surprising 2-1 triumph over the four-time champions, Ghana, on Sunday, January 14, stands out as the most significant shock in the tournament thus far.
By defeating the Black Stars, the Blue Sharks have solidified their reputation as formidable underdogs in Africa’s premier football competition.
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The Pharaohs’ rude awakening
Egypt, the record seven-time AFCON champions, experienced a wake-up call that signals a diminishing gap between traditional powerhouses and underdogs.
The Pharaohs found themselves on the edge against the lower-rated Mozambique, ultimately relying on Mohamed Salah’s injury-time penalty to secure a 2-2 draw.
Lightweights Guinea hold Cameroon
Despite being a player down, underdogs Guinea-Bissau managed to secure a 1-1 draw against five-time champions Cameroon. Guinea, ranked 80th globally, posed a genuine threat as Mohamed Bayo put them in an early lead. However, they faced the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage after captain Francois Kamano received a red card for a stamp on Frank Magri’s heel.
Magri later salvaged the situation for Cameroon by heading in Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s cross.
Historical moment for Namibia
Ranked 115th globally, the Brave Warriors caused a major upset by securing victory over Tunisia with Deon Hotto’s 88th-minute header.
Having gone without a win in their previous nine Afcon matches, Namibia emerged as deserving winners in Korhogo.
Super Eagles fail to soar
Nigeria, considered strong contenders for the title, faced Equatorial Guinea with high expectations of securing a victory. Despite adopting an attacking strategy and creating numerous chances, the Super Eagles struggled to convert them into goals.
In contrast, Equatorial Guinea capitalised on their first and only shot on target, with Ivan Salvador scoring in the 37th minute. However, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen salvaged a point with a header just a minute after his team conceded, ensuring a draw.
(Culled from supersport.com)
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