Cape Verde’s big blow

Published:

By: Manu Tournoux

Brilliant winner of Mozambique (3-0), Cape Verde suddenly assured its qualification for the round of 16 of the CAN, and first place in its group.

Cape Verde is clearly establishing itself as an important nation on the African continent. Quarter-finalists in 2013, still in the eighth in 2021, the Blue Sharks will still be there for the final phase of CAN 2023.

Cape Verde is assured of progressing through the group stage with its second victory in two matches. After surprising Ghana, Ryan Mendes and his teammates quietly beat Mozambique (3-0) this Friday.

A supersonic free kick from Bébé, the former Manchester United player, opened the scoring (32nd). Then Ryan Mendes (51st) and Kevin Lenini (69th) sheltered their team.

Cape Verde is even guaranteed to finish at the top of its group, whatever its result against Egypt on the last day. The Cape Verdeans will face a third in group (A, C or D) in the round of 16.