By Boris Esono Nwenfor
Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, also known as Vozinha, is set for an emotional reunion with his mother ahead of the Blue Sharks’ crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay after arrangements were made to enable her to travel to the United States.
The 40-year-old veteran shot-stopper became one of the stories of the tournament after producing a remarkable performance to help World Cup debutants Cape Verde secure a historic goalless draw against European champions Spain on Monday.
However, despite his heroics on football’s biggest stage, the occasion was bittersweet for Vozinha, who revealed after being named Player of the Match that his mother had been unable to attend the tournament because of visa-related financial challenges.
That situation has now changed. Speaking from her home in Sao Vicente, Ana Candida Evora confirmed that she will travel to Miami to watch her son represent Cape Verde and hopes to embrace him after the match.
“I am very happy,” she told BBC Sports. “This is happening so fast, but I’m quite happy anyway. I’m going to see my son playing in the World Cup, God willing. I’m going there to support him, to give him strength and courage. I’m going to hug him after the game.”
The breakthrough came after intervention from senior United States officials. US House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced that visa fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being finalised to ensure the reunion could take place before Cape Verde’s next match. “No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” Jeffries said.
He explained that discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and State Department officials had helped facilitate the process. “It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mom will be able to secure a visa in time to attend the game this Sunday against Uruguay. All fees have been waived consistent with official policy. Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami,” Jeffries stated.
The reunion comes after an emotional week for the Cape Verde goalkeeper, whose performance against Spain earned worldwide admiration. The veteran made a series of outstanding saves, including crucial stops from Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal and Aymeric Laporte, helping the African newcomers secure one of the biggest results of the opening round of matches.
Following the final whistle, Vozinha revealed the deep emotions behind his tears. “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents,” he said. “Unfortunately, they were not here. They died a few years ago.”
“They were everything to me, everything in my life. And also because of my mum. She didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money you have to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage it in time. I would like her to be here.”
The goalkeeper’s journey to football’s biggest stage has been remarkable. At 40 years and 12 days old, he became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s debut World Cup match.
Having earned 91 international caps, Vozinha currently plays for Chaves in Portugal’s second division and has enjoyed a career spanning clubs in Slovakia, Angola, Moldova and Cyprus.
Now, with Cape Verde preparing for a decisive encounter against Uruguay, the veteran goalkeeper will have an extra source of motivation in the stands, his mother. After the game against Uruguay on June 21, Cape Verde will conclude their Group H campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 27.
