The Black Stars of Ghana will play Cape Verde in their AFCON 2023 opener on Sunday evening. The game promises to be very important for both countries since it could determine their fate in the tournament.
The Blue Sharks cruised through its qualifying campaign, losing only one game and finishing behind Burkina Faso. In their last 10 games, they've won four, drawn three and endured three defeats.
Here are three Cape Verdean players the Black Stars must be wary of.
Willy Semedo
This guy is going to be the subject of many post -match discussions at pubs and football gatherings if his form going into the game is anything to go by. Semedo has been a vital component of the Cape Verde side since he made his debut in October 2020. Although, he has yet to score for his nation in 14 appearances, he arrives in Ivory Coast as one of their key players.
Currently plying his trade in Cyprus for Omonia Nikosia, the 29-year-old has been in superb form for the Cypriot side scoring eight, providing five assists to his teammates in 17 games.
While he is very much an orthodox winger, Semedo has added different layers to his game in recent months, showing greater willingness to offer an option tucking in off the flank, as well as occasionally looking to break closer to his strikers.
Ryan Mendes
As silky as they come, Ryan Mendes makes football look easy such is his vision and quality on the ball. The 34-year-old is a player with a wonderful grace and style around him, the ability to either bamboozle defenders through a piece of technical brilliance or to simply storm last people with impressive acceleration. His dribbling is fantastic; he is an intelligent passer and has a solid knack of evading strong challenges while keeping possession.
The Fatih Karagumuruk man has scored 15 goals in 63 games for the Blue Sharks since making his debut in 2010.
Tiago 'Bebe' Correira
The former Machester United winger is as versatile as they come, playing on the right, the left, or even in the middle- and he never looks out of place or uncomfortable.
Equally, he never kicks a fuss over the fact that he may not be playing in his preferred position, instead, he works tirelessly to help his side. This attitude mixed with his ability on the ball (and goal threat) makes him a truly outstanding footballer.
On a regular day, he makes the lives of many full-backs a living hell with his incredible on the ball ability; terrorising defences with his blistering pace and superb crossing ability. He isn't overly selfish in front of goal (obviously), nornis he afraid to take a shot on (also obviously), while his on the ball ability makes for majestic viewing.
By: Godfred Budu Yeboah
