After Cameroon's victory against Burkina Faso in the opening match, it was the Cape Verdeans who won against Ethiopia (0-1), Sunday, January 9, at the Olembé stadium in Yaoundé, in the second group A match. For their third participation in an African Cup of Nations (CAN), the Blue Sharks started the competition in the best possible way.

Favorites of this meeting against a modest Ethiopian team composed mostly of local players, Pedro Brito's players find themselves in numerical superiority from the start of the match.

In the 12th minute, Yared Bayhed was sent off for a foul on Julio Tavares.

Despite this advantage, Cape Verde struggles to put its opponents in difficulty.

The Cape Verdeans monopolize the ball but do not manage to be dangerous in front of goal.

After a #CMRBFA in a crazy atmosphere, the Olembé stadium emptied for the rest of the evening.

A little sad for both teams ... pic.twitter.com/gPTdrbj60i

- Romain Houeix (@RHoueix) January 9, 2022

It was not until the 27th minute that the Ethiopian Mignot Dada failed to score against his camp and open the scoring.

He is saved by his goalkeeper Teklemariam Shanko who manages to repel the hazardous clearance of his defender.

Highly visible in this meeting, the Ethiopian goalkeeper is once again decisive in the 34th minute on a double occasion from Cape Verde. 

However, just before half-time (45th + 1), the latter can do nothing against Julio Tavares.

The former Dijon player finally finds the net with a plunging header on a discount in the axis of Garry Rodrigues.

Cape Verdeans unable to make the break

Back from the locker room, the Blue Sharks approach the match with more bite.

In the 51st minute, Mignot Dada was once again close to scoring against his own camp by deflecting a cross from Garry Rodrigues.

The Cape Verdeans are stationed in the midfield of Walya, but without succeeding in creating clear opportunities.

In the 70th minute, Kenny Rocha Santos was however dangerous with a shot from the left repelled by a beautiful parry by the Ethiopian goalkeeper.

Eight minutes later, the KV Ostende midfielder returned with another powerful strike, but it just missed Teklemariam Shanko's goal.

Without a solution, Julio Tavares' teammates are content with this small goal and this first victory.

The latter allows them to obtain second place in Group A behind Cameroon, tied on points.

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