The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde have just secured qualification for the quarterfinals of the AFCON 2023. In a match where they dominated against Mauritania, Bubista’s men eventually found the breakthrough in the very final moments through a penalty.
The Ivorian adventure continues for Cape Verde. After an impressive group stage performance against Egypt and Ghana, the Cape Verdean team faced Mauritania on Monday in the Round of 16 of the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. Following a balanced start at the Félix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Cape Verde took control of the game. Despite creating opportunities, no goals were scored before halftime.
In the second half, the match continued in the same pattern, with the Mauritanian team defending deep and Cape Verde taking the initiative. Just as the match seemed headed for extra time, the Mauritanian defense made a mistake with a poor clearance that goalkeeper Babacar Niasse attempted to rescue in vain. Too short in his rescue attempt, the 27-year-old goalkeeper committed a foul and conceded a penalty to Cape Verde.
Without hesitation, the captain of the Blue Sharks, Ryan Mendes, converted the opportunity into a goal in the 88th minute. Caught off guard, Mauritania attempted to react but in vain. With a score of 1-0, Cape Verde advances to the quarterfinals of the AFCON 2023 and awaits the winner of the clash between Senegal and Ivory Coast.
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