Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori has provided insight into the defensive lapse that led to an early goal conceded against Cape Verde in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener.
Despite making crucial saves during the match, the Black Stars faced a 2-1 defeat, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the early goal.
Ofori, who showcased his shot-stopping abilities throughout the game, particularly highlighted the first goal, where he seemed to have parried a well-taken strike into the path of an opposing player who capitalised on the opportunity.
In his post-match remarks, the Orlando Pirates shot-stopper attributed the defensive lapse to the absence of his teammates at a crucial moment, stating, “The ball was bouncing in front of me and also far away from me, so I needed to punch it wide, and unfortunately, my players were not there to block.
“It happens in a game, and we need to focus and concentrate on the second game. That’s the most important thing,” he added.
As the Black Stars regroup and shift their focus to the upcoming game against Egypt on Thursday, the team is determined to learn from the experience and make a strong comeback in the tournament.