Cape Verde secured their place in the last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mozambique in an electrifying Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match on Friday.
Former Manchester United forward Bebe stole the spotlight with a spectacular long-range free-kick, kickstarting Cape Verde’s triumph at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, witnessed by 5,794 fans.
Bebe’s moment of brilliance came just after the half-hour mark, as he unleashed a dead-ball strike from an impressive 40 meters, leaving Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan helpless. Captain Ryan Mendes extended Cape Verde’s lead shortly after halftime, and Kevin Pina sealed the win with a stunning strike midway through the second half.
This historic AFCON victory, Cape Verde’s largest to date, propelled them to six points, ensuring their dominance in Group B. Their previous triumph against Ghana (2-1) positions them at the top of the group standings.
Looking ahead, Cape Verde’s next challenge awaits them on Monday against Egypt, who currently have two points and seek to secure second place in the group with a victory.
Reflecting on their success, Captain Ryan Mendes, formerly associated with Lille and Nottingham Forest and now with Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk, expressed confidence in their team’s potential: “Now we are into the last 16, and we just need to keep working as we have been. We know it won’t be easy, but we believe in ourselves and in our work.”
On the other side, Mozambique, participating in their fifth AFCON, faced a setback but still has a chance to qualify. Their upcoming clash against Ghana offers them an opportunity to advance, with both teams currently tied with one point each.
Bebe, now playing for Rayo Vallecano in Spain’s La Liga, showcased his free-kick prowess, reminiscent of his time at Old Trafford in 2010/11. Despite a challenging stint with Manchester United, Bebe’s memorable performance on the AFCON stage underscores his continued impact.
The match also saw Mozambique’s claim for a penalty overturned after a VAR check, adding to the dramatic moments. As Cape Verde guarantees their group’s top spot, they eagerly await a last-16 tie in Abidjan against a third-placed team on January 29.
Reported By AFP
