Cape Verde made a resounding start to their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a dominant 3-1 victory over Niger in Niamey on Saturday, asserting early control in Group F.
The Blue Sharks wasted no time stamping their authority on the match. By the 25th minute, they had already raced to a 3-0 lead, silencing the home crowd and leaving Niger with a mountain to climb. Garry Mendes Rodrigues opened the scoring in just the third minute, setting the tone for a one-sided first half.
Winger Odair Fortes doubled the lead in the 14th minute with a composed finish, before Ze Luis added the third goal ten minutes later, further punishing a disorganized Nigerien defence.
The hosts pulled one back through striker Moussa Maazou before halftime, giving the Menas a glimmer of hope. However, Cape Verde managed the second half professionally, holding their shape and controlling possession to see out the match with minimal fuss.
It was a confident performance from Rui Águas’s side, who now top Group F following Zambia’s 0-0 draw with Mozambique earlier in the day. The victory sends a strong message to their group rivals as Cape Verde, ranked among Africa’s rising football nations, look to secure qualification to the continental tournament for the second time in a row.
Niger, meanwhile, will be left to regroup after a disappointing defensive display at home, especially in the opening half hour where they struggled to contain Cape Verde’s quick transitions and attacking movement.
Starting Line-ups:
Niger: Kassali – Sako, Chicoto, Katkoré, Soumaila – Konaté, Koudizé – Maazou, Ali, Cissé – Kamilou
Cape Verde: Vozinha – Carlitos, Gégé, Kay, Stopira – Babanco, Calu, Nuno Rocha – Odair Fortes, Garry Mendes Rodrigues, Ze Luis
Cape Verde will look to build on this momentum in their next qualifier, while Niger will seek to bounce back and repair their campaign before it slips further out of reach.
