The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde didn’t tremble against Mozambique this Friday in the context of the second match of Group B in AFCON 2023. After another solid performance, the Cape Verdeans prevail 3-0 and secure the first place in the group ahead of Egypt and Ghana.
This is one of the sensations of AFCON 2023; Cape Verde continues to surprise. After a promising start in the competition against Ghana’s Black Stars, Bubista’s men have repeated the feat against Mozambique’s Os Mambas. With ants in their legs, the Cape Verdean players quickly made an impact in the match played at Félix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium with powerful strikes. On a long-range free-kick from Bebé in the 24th minute, the Mozambicans were saved by the crossbar, but not for long.
In the 32nd minute, Rayo Vallecano’s forward, Bebé, magnificently sent a 40-meter free-kick into the goal, catching the goalkeeper Ernani off guard with a powerful shot. 1-0 at halftime. After the break, Cape Verde punished Reinildo’s defensive partners with the second goal. Indeed, in the 51st minute, Ryan Mendes snatched the ball from Dove’s feet in front of the box and scored. In the 70th minute, Mozambique’s woes increased as they conceded another golazo, this time by Kevin Pina, with another long-range strike.
In the final minutes, the Cape Verdeans managed their comfortable lead and qualified for the round of 16 of AFCON 2023. With 6 points, Cape Verde will finish first in Group B even if they lose to Egypt (2 points) in the third match. Ghana (1 point) and Mozambique (1 point) will battle for the 3 points needed to hope for qualification to the knockout stages.
For Cape Verde, which has already secured a spot in the round of 16 of AFCON 2023, it is another confirmation of the good work being done in the country, qualifying for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in just a few years.
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