CAN 2023: Cape Verde Confirms Presence.
The Cape Verde national football team qualified today for the fourth time for the African Cup of Nations (CAN), repeating 2013, 2015 and 2021, when they received and beat Burkina Faso by 3–1, in a game of the fifth round.
On the Path to Glory
When the game started, the energy in the atmosphere has never been higher. The small but fierce nation of Cape Verde was at the center of one of the greatest moments in African football. As applause echoed throughout the stadium, the Cape Verdean players took to the field, each aware of the importance of the game for their nation.
The game, counting for the fifth and penultimate day of group B, was held at the National Stadium, under a scorching sun, Cape Verde entered very strong, with more possession of the ball, against an opponent, already qualified, very shy and with a very well delineated football.
CAN is a stage where legends are born, where heroes are made and Cape Verde was ready to make its history. Against expectations, the Cape Verdean team showed from the start that they weren't there to figure out every pass, every move, their determination was evident.
The game ended with the victory of Cape Verde, by beating Burkina Faso, by 3-1, equaling the opponent, in the first place, with 10 points. With this victory, Cape Verde qualifies for the fourth time for the CAN, after debuting in 2013, in South Africa, followed by appearances in 2015, in Equatorial Guinea and 2021, in Cameroon.
The Cape Verdean goals were scored by Bebé (7'), Zaragoza striker, João Paulo (67'), Feirense midfielder, and Clé (90'+4), Belenenses striker. The Burkinabe still tied, just after the break, through Dayo, in the 45'+3 minute, but they couldn't resist a demolishing second half for Cape Verde.
The Rest of the Group
Still in group B, Togo beat Eswatini by 2-0, but with Cape Verde's victory, both teams no longer have a chance of qualifying.
In the classification of group B, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde lead with 10 points each, followed by Togo with five points and Eswatini with two points. For the next and final round, Cape Verde will travel to Lomé to face Togo, while Burkina Faso will host Eswatini in Ougadougou.
The last round of qualifying for CAN 2023 will take place in September, with Cape Verde facing Togo and Burkina Faso playing against Eswatini.
The CAN 2023
According to the CAN 2023 regulations, the top two teams in each group will qualify for the final phase of the championship, which will feature 24 African teams. The first two classified teams of each group will qualify for the final phase of the tournament.
The race that was supposed to take place between June and July 2023 in Ivory Coast, was postponed to January and February 2024, this due to the bad weather conditions in Ivorian territory during the European summer months since it is the rainy season in the country.
Conclusion
In an exciting journey of the African Cup of Nations (CAN), Cape Verde secured its fourth participation in the competition. The victory confirmed Cape Verde and Burkina Faso, both with 10 points, as the two teams qualified for the final phase of CAN'2024, in which 24 African teams will participate.
This victory marks yet another significant milestone for Cape Verdean football, which has shown continuous improvement in its international competitiveness. Mais Afrika wishes the best for the Cape Verde team in their preparation for CAN 2023.
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Picture: © 2023 DR
