The excitement is palpable as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, and all eyes are on the upcoming clash between Ghana and Cape Verde in the Group B opener on 14 January 2024. While Ghana may not be the outright favourites to lift the AFCON trophy, they enter the tournament with a formidable squad that could propel them deep into the competition. The first test for Ghana comes against Cape Verde, a team that will be eager to upset the odds and make a statement.
Below we provide you more details about the AFCON 2023 game Ghana vs Cape Verde. Moreover we have a look at past results and provide you with some betting tips.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
Ghana holds a significant advantage in recent encounters, having won each of their last four games against Cape Verde. This historical dominance adds weight to their status as favourites. Cape Verde, however, enters the match with a mixed record, losing four of their last six matches in all competitions. Despite the odds, past results and form suggest that this clash could be more closely contested than the bookmakers anticipate.
When just looking at the AFCON tournament then Ghana and Cape Verde have met only once before. In the 2013 quarter-finals Ghana won 2-0. The PrideBet News team hopes that the second encounter will also be a win for the Black Stars.
This marks Ghana’s 24th appearance in the AFCON, the most after Egypt (26) and Ivory Coast (25). Despite their impressive history with four tournament victories, the Black Stars have faced challenges in recent years. Overall they could only win one of their last nine AFCON matches. Their last campaign in 2019 ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stages.
On the other side Cape Verde is only making their fourth AFCON, all since 2013. Their best performance came in 2013 when they reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Ghana. Therefore, Cape Verde aims to build on their previous successes and make a statement in the tournament.
Player Spotlight: Mohammed Kudus – Ghana’s Main Man
At just 23 years of age, Mohammed Kudus shoulders the hopes of our nation. He is seen as a pivotal figure for Ghana in this AFCON 2023 campaign. Ghana boasts incredible attacking talents, including the Ayew brothers and Inaki Williams who plays at Athletic Bilbao, but Kudus is the linchpin that can set the team in motion.
The attacking West Ham midfielder has been in fantastic form, notching six goals for his club. And also for the BlackStars he scores valuable goals. In just 30 appearances he netted 9 times, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net. His elusive playing style makes him a difficult prospect for defenders. Hence Kudus is expected to be a handful for the Cape Verde defence on Sunday night.
Betting enthusiasts should keep a close eye on Kudus. We see him as a likely goal-scorer for Ghana in this match, overall contributing to hopefully a Ghana victory.
Predicted Lineups Ghana vs Cape Verde
We have covered the Ghana Squad in detail in a separate article but below you find it together with the overall Cape Verde Squad for your reference again:
Ghana: Richard Ofori, Jojo Wollacott, Lawrence Ati Zigi, Daniel Amartey, Alidu Seidu, Fatawu Hamidu, Alexander Djiku, Gideon Mensah, Denis Odoi, Mohammed Salisu, Nicholas Opoku, Richmond Lamptey, Salis Abdul Samed, Majeed Ashimeru, Osman Bukari, Mohammed Kudus, Iddrisu Baba, Elisha Owusu, André Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Jonathan Sowah, Kingsley Schindler, Iñaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, Ransford Königsdörffer, Antoine Semenyo, Joseph Paintsil.
Coach: Chris Hughton
Cape Verde: Márcio da Rosa, Vózinha, Dylan Silva, Stopira, Dylan Tavares, João Correia, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Pico, Diney Borges, Kenny Rocha, Laros Duarte, Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina, Cuca, Patrick Andrade, Jamiro Monteiro, João Paulo, Ryan Mendes, Willy Semedo, Garry Rodrigues, Jovane Cabral, Bebé, Bryan Teixeira, Hélio Varela, Gilson Benchimol.
Coach: Bubista
The predicted lineup for Ghana vs Cape Verde is currently as follows:
- Predicted Lineup Ghana: Ofori (GK), Odoi, Amartey, Mensah, Opoku, Baba, Abdul Samed, Kudus, J. Ayew, Williams, Semenyo
- Predicted Lineup Cape Verde: Vózinha (GK), Pico, Costa, Andrade, Monteiro, Stopira, Paulo, Mendes, Bebé, Rodrigues, Semedo
*Please note that the actual Lineups announcement usually happens 1 hour before kick-off
Ghana vs Cape Verde Predictions and Betting Tips
That is to say, there is an overall strong belief in Ghana’s ability to kick off their AFCON journey on a winning note. Therefore Ghana is the favourite in this game and predicted to win.
When betting on correct score you might want to consider Ghana’s defensive solidity which is highlighted by their clean sheets in each of their last four victories against Cape Verde. Ghana’s squad features good attacking talent but misses too many chances. Considering Cape Verde’s recent struggles to find the back of the net, a 1-0 scoreline in favour of Ghana could be a reasonable prediction.
Historically, encounters between Ghana and Cape Verde tended to be low-scoring affairs, with three of the last four producing under 2.5 goals. Ghana’s recent matches also support this trend, with four of their last five games witnessing fewer than three goals. Therefore placing a bet on under 2.5 goals could be a winning one.
Bet on this and many other first-round group games at PrideBet
As the AFCON 2023 Group B opener unfolds, the clash between Ghana and Cape Verde promises to be an interesting as well as critical encounter. While Ghana enters as the favoured side, Cape Verde will look to defy the odds and make a statement in their quest for AFCON glory. Football fans and betting enthusiasts alike are in for a treat as the drama unfolds on the pitch.
Betting for the first group game Ghana vs Cape Verde is open at PrideBet with many betting markets waiting for you including the popular markets 1×2, Both Teams to Score as well as Double Chance. In addition, you have plenty of betting options in Over/Under, Handicap, 1st Half, 2nd Half, Combo, Multigoal and Others.
