This is the third time that Cape Verde has progressed from the group stages in four attempts and the side is the first to have qualified for the knockout stage so far
By Sonita Ngunyi Nwohtazie
YAOUNDE, January 19, 2024 – Cape Verde has become the first side to qualify for the knockout stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, following their 3-0 victory over Mozambique on Friday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
The goals from Cape Verde were scored by Bebe, Ryan Mendes and Kevin Pena as Cape Verde extended their winning streak to 2 games in the ongoing AFCON. For the Mambas of Mozambique, the side will rue the missed opportunities they had to get their noses in front.
Football fans, especially Manchester United supporters, won’t forget Tiago ‘Bebe’ Manuel in a hurry. The player gained recognition when he joined the Old Trafford outfit for a reported £7.4 million as a 19-year-old, just a few weeks after he signed for Vitória de Guimarães.
While Bebe’s career at Manchester United didn’t go as planned, the 33-year-old has found himself in the Spanish second division for Zaragoza on loan from Rayo Vallecano.
Bebe has scored four times in 16 appearances this season, and his experience has been key for a Cape Verde side that found itself in a tough group in AFCON 2023.
The victory follows their 2-1 victory against Ghana with the goals then scored by Monteiro and Rodrigues. In two games played, Cape Verde has scored four goals and conceded just once and they are proving to be the surprise package in Group B. Heading to the tournament, Ghana and Egypt were seen as the odds-on favourites to finish first and second but Cape Verde has completely torn the script.
The best-placed finish for the Bleu Sharks remains the quarter-finals finished in 2013. Since then, Cape Verde has succeeded in reaching the Round of 16, a feat they achieved at the 2021 edition of the AFCON hosted by Cameroon.
With Ghana and Egypt having played out a 2-2 draw in the other game, Cape Verde is scheduled to be the spoilers in the last game as Egypt risked being eliminated from the competition. Matchday three will see Egypt face Cape Verde while both Mozambique and Ghana have a chance to qualify with a victory over the other in the last game.
