Solid Cape Verde cruise to a 1-0 victory over ten-men Ethiopia

Cape Verde recorded a much-expected 1-0 victory in their opening AFCON game against the Ethiopian underdogs in the second fixture of the tournament.

However, unlike the Cameroon-Burkina Faso tie, this one lacked that energy and thrill. The game was decided thanks to a single goal of Julio Tavares in front of not more than a few thousand fans at the Stade Omnisport Paul Biya in Yaounde.

Cape Verde tore apart Ethiopian's resistance seconds before the break after the minnows were left with ten men on the ground following Yared Baye's red card in the 12th minute.

It was a simple, stoppage-time knock-down: Garry Rodriguez was onside as he got a hold on a long cross at the far post, placing the ball on Julio Tavares' head for the winner.

Albeit trailing 1-0 and with a Baye out of the game, the 137th team on FIFA's ranking list didn't succumb to despair. Ethiopia did their best to prevent the favourites from pouring in some more goals.

The credit for that goes primarily to a keeper Teklemariam Shanko, who successfully stopped not only opponents' shots but also a possible own goal when a first-half sub Mignot Debebe almost scored in his own net.

The second half lacked chances on both ends, with the Blue Sharks securing a victory that propelled them to the top of the table alongside the hosts, Cameroon.

AFCON

GROUP A

Cameroon - Burkina Faso 2-1 (1-1)

/Aboubakar 40, 45+3 - Sangare 24/

Ethiopia - Cape Verde 0-1 (0-1)

/Tavares 45+1/