Late Penalty Takes Cape Verde Into Cup Of Nations Quarter-Finals

Cape Verde created history in the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, securing their first-ever knockout win by defeating Mauritania 1-0.

The crucial goal came in the dying minutes as captain Ryan Mendes converted a penalty, breaking the deadlock in the last 16 match at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Cape Verde, known as the Blue Sharks, held firm during extra time to seal their place in the quarterfinals. Their next challenge awaits against the winner between Morocco and South Africa.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Cape Verde, a small island nation that had never before won a knockout tie in the AFCON. Mauritania, aiming to build on their recent success, fell short as they couldn’t find a way past Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha.

Despite having a golden opportunity just before the hour mark, when Souleymane Anne missed a chance inside the box, Mauritania couldn’t break the deadlock. Cape Verde’s Mendes, leading by example, nearly scored earlier with a header, and the historic penalty sealed their passage to the next round.

The Egyptian referee awarded the penalty after a foul on substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol. Mendes confidently converted, securing Cape Verde’s place in the quarterfinals and etching their name in AFCON history.

Reported By AFP.