
AFCON 2023: OUTSTANDING DJIKU, WIN’S MAN-OF-MATCH AWARD IN GHANA-CAPE VERDE GAME
- Sports News
- January 15, 2024
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French born-Ghanaian defender was named Man-of-the Match yesterday in a game where the Black Stars were out-played and beaten by Cape Verde at the Houphouet Bouain Stadium in Abidjan.
Ghana lost 1-2 to Cape Verde in its opening game at the 2023 African Cup of Nations been held in La Cote D’Ivoire.
The excellent performance from Djiku and his starring role at the back of defense, couldn’t save the Black Stars from defeat as they had their third continuous loss in Afcon opening games.
The towering defender scored in the 57th minute to equalize for Ghana after the Cape Verdian’s had taken the lead 17th minute into the game after guiding his header into the back of the net from a corner kick of Jordan Ayew.
The defender’s timely interventions denied and thwarted Cape Verde from scoring more goals as two clear chances came in the way of the opponent team with one coming in the second half of the game with the former Strasbourg defender kicking the ball away from former Man United forward Bebe.
Bebe was through on goal after latching on to a poor back pass by Majeed Ashimeru but Djiku’s strong run and tackle cleared off the danger.
Djiku’s excellent performance also saw him block a shot that was heading into the goal post of Ghana.His impressive performance and determination on the field of play won him the Man-of-the match accolade despite he picking up a yellow card in the game.
At a post match press conference, Djiku expressed his disappointment in his side’s defeat to Cape Verde and hope that they bounce back well in their next game against Egypt on Thursday.

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