CAN 2015 Qualifiers: Cape Verde Officially First Team to Qualify, Thanks to Article 14.2
Despite being overshadowed by Algeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Malawi, Cape Verde holds the distinction of being the first nation to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The Blue Sharks punched their ticket on Matchday 4 with a 1-0 win over Mozambique, taking their points tally to 9 out of 12.
While Algeria made headlines with four straight wins (12 points), Cape Verde’s qualification came mathematically earlier due to CAF’s tie-breaking rules, specifically Article 14.2 of the CAN regulations.
📘 Understanding Article 14.2 – The Key to Cape Verde’s Early Qualification
According to CAF’s Article 14.2, if teams are tied on points at the end of group play, the head-to-head criteria take precedence:
Points obtained in matches among the tied teams
Goal difference in those head-to-head matches
Goals scored in head-to-head matches
Overall goal difference
Overall goals scored
Fair play points
Drawing of lots
So even if Mozambique and Zambia were to join Cape Verde on 9 points by the end of the group stage, the head-to-head advantage already guarantees Cape Verde’s top-two finish.
🦈 Blue Sharks Rising
Cape Verde, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2013 AFCON in their debut appearance, continues to impress on the continental stage. They are currently ranked:
7th in Africa
41st in the FIFA World Rankings
These stats underline a small nation that’s been punching above its weight in African football.
🔍 Group Snapshot (After Matchday 4):
Cape Verde – 9 pts ✅ (Qualified)
Zambia – chasing
Mozambique – chasing
Niger – struggling
What’s Next?
Cape Verde can now afford to rotate or experiment in the remaining two qualifiers. With qualification secured, the focus will likely shift to:
Maintaining momentum
Avoiding injuries
Testing squad depth
If the Blue Sharks’ 2013 debut was impressive, CAN 2015 offers a golden opportunity for them to cement their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent footballing nations.
