Cape Verde fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C qualifier at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Friday night. Despite the spirited performance, the result was not enough to keep the Blue Sharks’ hopes alive, as they were eliminated from the qualification race.
The Pharaohs, already assured of their place at the 2025 AFCON finals, were quick to assert themselves in the match.
Their first significant opportunity came in the 11th minute when Osama Faisal found himself through on goal, only to stumble before getting a shot off.
Moments later, Cape Verde goalkeeper Bruno Varela made a fine save to deny Mahmoud Saber, as Egypt continued to pile on the pressure.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Taher Mohamed capitalized on sustained attacking play, slotting home to give the visitors a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Cape Verde returned from the interval with renewed determination, pushing for an equalizer.
Their efforts paid off in the 63rd minute when Ryan Mendes, the Blue Sharks’ all-time leading scorer, converted from the penalty spot.
Mendes had earned the spot kick after being fouled by Mahmoud Saber in the area.
The home side maintained their momentum, introducing former Manchester United player Bebe in the 83rd minute to bolster their attack.
Despite their best efforts, Cape Verde was unable to find the winner as Egypt’s defense held firm.
The draw ensured Egypt remained unbeaten in Group C, though they dropped points for the first time in the campaign.
The Pharaohs, sitting comfortably at the top of the group, will host Botswana in their final match.
For Cape Verde, the result spelled the end of their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes.
Despite being level on points with second-placed Botswana, the Blue Sharks’ inferior head-to-head record against their rivals left them third in the standings.
Their final fixture will be an away clash against Mauritania.
Cape Verde: Bruno Varela, Steven Moreira, Logan Costa, Roberto Lopes, João Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro (H. Varela 72′), Deroy Duarte (Andrade 46′), Kevin Lenini, Ryan Mendes (Bebe 83′), Gilson Tavares (Livramento 46′), Jovane Cabral (L. Duarte 72′).
Egypt: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Ahmed Eid, Mohamed Shehata (Dunga 6′), Mahmoud Saber (M. Fathi 69′), Ahmed Nabil Kouka, Taher Mohamed, Osama Faisal (M. Mostafa 84′), Ibrahim Adel (A.R. Mohamed 84′).
Cape Verde 1 (Mendes 63’ pen)
Egypt 1 (Taher Mohamed 31’)
While Egypt shifts focus to fine-tuning their squad for the AFCON finals, Cape Verde’s elimination marks the end of their campaign, though they will aim to finish on a high note in Mauritania.
