Cape Verde clinched a hard-fought victory against Mauritania on Monday (1-0), solidifying their path to the quarter-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Marking a historic milestone, Cape Verde advances to the African Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in its history.
The Blue Sharks secured their spot among the top eight African teams by defeating Mauritania in a closely contested match (1-0).
The decisive moment arrived late in the game when Ryan Mendes, the former Lille player, scored the sole goal from a penalty kick.
Mendes executed the set piece flawlessly, propelling Cape Verde to victory.
Despite Mauritania’s resilient defensive display throughout the match, a critical defensive error in the closing moments proved costly for the “Mourabitounes.”
Cape Verde’s triumph was well-earned. Although they faced a sluggish start in the first half, they demonstrated resilience and determination after halftime, asserting their dominance and creating impactful opportunities.
Their persistence eventually paid off, securing them the crucial win.
With their quarter-final berth secured, Cape Verde now awaits the outcome of the match between Morocco and South Africa to determine their next opponent.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming fixtures, Cape Verde’s advancement in the tournament serves as a testament to their competitive spirit and determination to excel on the African football stage.
The victory over Mauritania marks a significant milestone for Cape Verdean football and ignites hopes and aspirations among fans as the team prepares to take on the challenges that lie ahead in the quest for AFCON glory.
