AFCON 2023: Richard Ofori bemoans Black Stars late collapse against Cape Verde

Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori was left disappointed after the team’s 2-1 defeat against Cape Verde on Sunday in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations opener.

Ghana fell to a late goal from Gary Rodrigues after a shambolic defending handing Chris Hughton’s men yet another worrying start to a major tournament.

A miscommunication between Mohammed Salisu and Ofori created a clear-cut chance for Rodrigues who tapped the ball into an empty net.

“The truth of the matter is, we can’t concede in such a time,” the goalkeeper said at the end of the game.

“We have to be compact. We have players that play highest level football…but sometimes players can’t defend some certain balls and you end up losing the game.”

The Orlando Pirates shot-stopper has been criticised for the first goal Ghana conceded in the game but says he was let down by his teammates.

“The ball was bouncing in front of me and the ball was also going far away from me so I needed to stretch and just direct the ball to the side but unfortunately, my players were not there to block,” he added.

“It happens in the game and we need to concentrate and focus on the second game that’s the most important thing.”

Ghana’s next game is against Egypt, who are also desperately in need of a win after drawing their opening game against Mozambique on Sunday.

Cape Verde sit top of Group B after the first round of games while Ghana occupy the bottom spot.

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