Ghana defender, Alexander Djiku put up a solid performance to win the TotalEnergies Man of the Match accolade despite his country’s 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in their Group B opener of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023. 

Djiku scored the equalizer and also cleared his lines to prevent a clear goalscoring chance from Cape Verde. 

His excellent performance earned him the Man of the Match award on Sunday night and according to the defender, his side deserved more than what they got from the game. 

“We deserved more from the match. Just when we were coming into the game, we conceded the second goal, even though we were on top of the game. We didn't create many chances, we didn’t utilize the few chances we created, it is why we couldn’t win” Djiku said. 

Defeated by the Blue Sharks, Ghana is last in Group B with zero points. 

The Black Stars are already somewhat up against the wall. 

“I was in the team during the last AFCON, our elimination in the first round remains the worst memory of my career and I don't want to relive that"

Chris Hughton's men will have to revive against Egypt, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique.