The latest update from the CAN brings a surprising turn of events in the highly anticipated match between Ghana and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Here’s a summary of the key points:
Yesterday’s Draws:
- South Africa vs. Cape Verde: 0-0
- Morocco vs. Angola: 0-0
Today’s Match – Ghana vs. DRC:
- Ghana initially took the lead with goals from E. Agyemang-Badu in the 40th minute and K. Asamoah in the 49th minute, seemingly putting them in control.
However, the DRC staged a comeback:
- T. Mputu scored for the DRC in the 53rd minute.
- D. Mbokani added another goal in the 69th minute through a penalty, leveling the score.
Significance of the Match:
- Described as the first real shock of the CAN, the clash between Ghana and the DRC showcased two great football countries and two accomplished coaches, Claude Leroy and Kwessi Appia.
Background on Coaches:
- Claude Leroy, in his seventh CAN, successfully mobilized his team despite a challenging period.
- Notably, Kwessi Appiah, the coach of Ghana, was a deputy to Claude Leroy during Leroy’s time at the helm of the Black Stars in 2008.
Respect Between Coaches:
- Despite the competitive nature of the match, there is mutual respect between Claude Leroy and Kwessi Appiah.
- Both coaches entered the field with the shared goal of winning.
Outcome and Expectations:
- Claude Leroy’s DRC succeeded in the challenge, signaling that they are a team to be reckoned with in the tournament.
- However, Ghana, ranked as the 4th African nation in the latest FIFA rankings, was expected to perform better.
- Notably, Kwessi Appiah made a strategic decision by not selecting the Ayew brothers, who have been performing well with Marseille.
The match result and the strategic decisions made by both coaches add further intrigue to the ongoing CAN, emphasizing the unpredictability and competitiveness of the tournament.
