Cape Verde name 26-man squad for Liberia double-header AFCON qualifier

Cape Verde have officially announced a 26-man squad for their upcoming double-header against Liberia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the Blue Sharks aiming to revive their campaign after a disappointing start.

The squad was unveiled on Wednesday, November 4, as head coach Bubista prepares his team for two crucial encounters against Liberia.

Cape Verde have endured a difficult opening to their qualifying campaign, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mali before falling to a 2-1 loss against Rwanda.

Those back-to-back setbacks have left the Blue Sharks third in Group K without a point, increasing the importance of their upcoming fixtures as they look to get their qualification hopes back on track.

The squad features several familiar names, including experienced goalkeeper Vozinha, who is expected to provide leadership between the posts.

Defensively, Logan Costa of Villarreal, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Wagner Pina of Trabzonspor headline the selection, while Steven Moreira of Columbus Crew and Ivanildo Fernandes of Nacional da Madeira also make the list.

In midfield, Bubista has included Deroy Duarte of Ludogorets, Kevin Pina of Krasnodar, Jamiro Monteiro of NEC Nijmegen and Laros Duarte of Puskás Akadémia.

The attacking department will be led by experienced forward Ryan Mendes of RS Berkane, alongside Leandro Andrade, Hélio Varela, Nuno Da Costa and Dailon Livramento of Hellas Verona.

The 26-man squad also includes players from various European and international leagues, reflecting the depth of options available to the technical team ahead of the decisive fixtures.

The Blue Sharks will be hoping to turn their fortunes around against Liberia and collect maximum points to strengthen their position in Group K as the race for places at the 2027 AFCON gathers momentum.

Cabo Verde squad:

Goalkeepers: Carlos Santos (San Diego FC), Marcio Da Rosa (UTA Arad), Josimar Dias (Vozinha) (Colo-Colo).

Defenders: Logan Costa (Villarreal), David Moreira (Gil Vicente), Edilson Borges (Sharjah FC), Ivanildo Fernandes (Nacional da Madeira), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Trabzonspor), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Yuran Lopes (Persebaya Surabaya).

Midfielders: Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), João Fernandes (Steaua București), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar), Jose Tavares (Santa Clara), Ayoni Santos (PSV), Elson Da Silva (Kasimpasa), Jamiro Monteiro (NEC), Laros Duarte (Puskás Akadémia).

Forwards: Derenseli Fernandes (Huddersfield Town), Leandro Andrade (Polissya), Ryan Mendes (RS Berkane), Ieltsin Camões (Śląsk Wrocław), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno Da Costa (Antalyaspor), Dailon Livramento (Hellas Verona).