AFCON: Cape Verde cause upset with dramatic win over Ghana

This match in Abidjan added to the day's unpredictability, following Nigeria's draw with Equatorial Guinea and Egypt's last-gasp penalty draw against Mozambique.

Cape Verde took the lead in the 17th minute when the Netherlands-born Rodrigues' shot was saved by Ghana's goalkeeper Richard Ofori, allowing Jamiro Monteiro to score from close range.

A contentious VAR decision disallowed Ghana's goal, due to an offside position, just before halftime when Majeed Ashimeru scored from outside Cape Verde's penalty area.

Ghana equalised 11 minutes into the second half, with Alexander Djiku heading home from Jordan Ayew's corner.

Despite Ghana's near misses, Cape Verde threatened consistently. Djiku cleared Bebe's attempt, while Rodrigues faced denial twice in the final 10 minutes.

In stoppage time, a failed clearance by Mohammed Salisu and a clever touch from substitute Gilson Benchimol set up Rodrigues for the match-winning goal.

Ghana's veteran Dede Ayew marked his eighth Cup of Nations appearance, equalling the record held by Cameroon's Rigobert Song and Egypt's Ahmed Hassan.

In the earlier Group B clash, Mohamed Salah rescued Egypt with a stoppage-time penalty, securing a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their first finals since 2010.

Looking ahead, Ghana faces Egypt on Thursday, while Cape Verde takes on Mozambique on Friday, both at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.

READ MORE: AFCON: Three-time champions Nigeria held by Equatorial Guinea in opening match