FIFA clears Jordan Semedo and Fabio Duarte to represent Cape Verde

Cape Verde have received a boost to their national team after FIFA approved the sporting nationality switch of Jordan Semedo and Fabio Duarte, allowing both players to represent the island nation in international competitions.

The decision formally clears the two players to play for Cape Verde national football team, strengthening a squad that has increasingly sought to expand its options with players developed abroad.

Semedo, who once captained the youth side of France national under-20 football team, arrives with considerable experience from the international youth level.

The midfielder currently plays club football for PFC Slavia Sofia and is expected to bring composure and leadership to the Cape Verde squad.

Goalkeeper Duarte also adds depth to the team’s defensive structure. A product of the youth academy at S.L. Benfica, he developed within one of Portugal’s most recognised talent pipelines before committing his international future to Cape Verde.

The approval from FIFA reflects the country’s ongoing effort to reinforce its national team with players who have links to the archipelago but previously represented other football systems.

Both players had already been integrated into the group during the national team’s previous gathering, when Cape Verde faced Malaysia national football team in a recent international fixture.

Their involvement at that stage offered the coaching staff an early opportunity to evaluate how they fit within the squad environment.

Semedo, in particular, is widely expected to compete quickly for a regular place in the team’s midfield setup. His background as a youth captain for France has been viewed as a potential asset in helping organise play and guide younger teammates.

Duarte’s inclusion, meanwhile, is seen as strengthening the goalkeeping department. His training within Benfica’s development system has provided him with technical grounding, while his reflexes and versatility are regarded as important qualities between the posts.

Together, the arrivals underline Cape Verde’s determination to continue building a competitive national side capable of maintaining its upward trajectory in African football.

By securing the eligibility of players with experience in European systems, the team hopes to add both depth and quality as it looks to compete more strongly on the continental stage.