AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Cape Verde beat Liberia 4-2 to claim first Group K victory

Cape Verde revived their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after recording an entertaining 4-2 victory over Liberia in their Group K encounter at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Friday.

The Blue Sharks made a flying start, with Ayoni Santos opening the scoring in the fifth minute to put the hosts ahead.

Liberia responded through Franklin Nyenetue, who restored parity in the 36th minute. However, Cape Verde quickly regained control as Djé Tavares fired them back in front two minutes later.

Dailon Livramento then extended the advantage in the 43rd minute, giving the hosts a comfortable 3-1 lead heading into the break.

Cape Verde continued to press after the interval and sealed their fourth goal through substitute Derensili Sanches Fernandes in the 90th minute.

Liberia managed a late consolation when Ayouba Kosiah converted a penalty in stoppage time, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.

The victory gives Cape Verde their first points of the qualifying campaign after two opening defeats, while Liberia remain without a point after three matches.