Julio Tavares’ goal in the first half was enough to earned Cape Verde a 1-0 win over Ethiopia in the second Group A game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Both teams began the game like a house on fire as they kept their goalkeepers busy with attacks upon attacks.
However, in the 12th minute, Ethiopia were reduced to 10-men after Yared Baye was issued a red card for a foul play on a Cape Verde player.
Cape Verde eventually took the lead in the 45th minute through a brilliant header from Julio Tavares to the delight of his coach.
The Blue Sharks could have extended their lead in the 49th minute but Kenny Rocha Santos’ low drive shot failed to threatened the Ethiopia’s goalkeeper, Teklemariam Shanko.
Cape Verde’s Stopira almost netted the second goal in the 89th minute, however, his effort failed to hit the target.
All efforts for Ethiopia to level score proved abortive as the Blue Sharks defended well to earned the maximum points.
3 Comments
Kudos to the referees for the two games today.
If African referees continue like this all those deadly tackles in Africa football will reduce and this will make our football more interesting. Africa players will now be playing with more of their sense and less physical.
I must honestly say I was Imoressed with the referee in the Caoe card vs Ethiopia game but I guess the red card was as a result of the defender being the last man cuz the red to me was harsh. Cape verse looked solid and should have scored at least 4 goals. This afcon looks like it might have a surprising end.
Congrats Cape Verde! Better luck in your next game Ethiopian.Tourneys like this brings us together #OneAfrica!