Cape Verde defeated 10-man Ethiopia in the second match of the AFCON match day one fixtures, thanks to Tavares’ first half stoppage time lone goal.
The Blue Sharks were forced to start the match without coach Bubista, in quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus, and had just six substitutes on the bench, with a further nine players isolating, and two injured.
Barely 12 minutes into the game, the Walia Antelopes were reduced to 10 men as Yared Bayeh got sent off for a last ditch tackle on Julio Tavares, that was upgraded from yellow to red card after a VAR review.
Garry Rodrigues assisted Tavares who headed home the game’s lone goal just before the halftime. An effort that saw him crowned the Man Of The Match.
Just minutes earlier, Ethiopia had a chance to be first on the scoresheet when Abubeker Nasir intercepted a poor back pass from Irish-born Roberto Lopes but goalkeeper Marcio Rosa was off his line to denied the opportunity.
Despite their well crafted football, Ethiopia have not won a game at the AFCON in 45 years.
Cape Verde, whose three Cup of Nations appearances have all come since 2013 sealed their second-ever win and their very first AFCON victory since they beat Angola in 2013.
MOLATsportgist 