CAN 2023: Cape Verde Wins Lusophone Duel.
In the third round of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023), Cape Verde stood out by winning its second victory, now against Mozambique (3-0), in a Portuguese-speaking duel, thus consolidating the leadership of Group B with 6 points.
Captain Ryan Mendes became his country's all-time top scorer, while Bebé and Kevin Pina shone with spectacular long-range goals.
This remarkable performance places Cape Verde as a surprise in the tournament, with a solid presence in the third phase and, with this victory, becoming the first team to officially guarantee a place in the round of 16.
Baby Made the Difference
The 33-year-old former Manchester United striker, Bebé was the protagonist of the first half, putting on a great show, demonstrating his strength in direct free kicks. The Cape Verdean striker opened the way for Cape Verde's victory, first firing a missile from beyond 25 meters that hit the bar in the 27th minute.
In the second attempt, at 32 minutes at a distance of 40 meters, with a floating effect, as expected, it was successful. The ball went into the net, in front of 5.794 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, in Abidjan.
It is worth noting the failure of Mozambican goalkeeper Hernani Siluane in the move. However, the goal rewards the Blue Tubarões' best start to the game in this match. At this point, Cape Verde had already attempted 7 shots, hitting 3 on goal, while the Mozambicans had only made one shot that was not framed.
The Mozambicans' first shot came in the 37th minute, it was the work of winger Witi but it was saved by the Cape Verde goalkeeper. Mozambique still thought they had won a penalty, five minutes before the break, in the 39th minute, when Geny Catamo fell in the area in a confusion of legs with João Paulo Fernandes, but the Moroccan referee annulled the decision after appealing to VAR.
The two teams go into halftime with a 1-0 result in favor of Cape Verde.
The Path to Eighths
Upon returning from the changing rooms, Mozambique made two substitutions. However, it was Cape Verde who increased the lead in the 51st minute. Captain Ryan Mendes, playing for Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, stole the ball from Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove right on the edge of the box and shot past the goalkeeper. A gift well used by Cape Verde!
On a day of direct free kicks, Mozambique reacted in the 58th minute, with a magnificently curled free kick from 25 meters made by Catamo. Unfortunately, the elaborate shot hit the bar.
Cape Verde then increased the lead to 3-0, in the 69th minute, with a magnificent shot by Kevin Pina from 30 meters. Maximum effectiveness for Cape Verdeans, for whom everything is going well. But it is important to emphasize that this success was caused. This goal does not diminish the offensive intentions of the Blue Tubarões and the Mambas. Some increasing their advantage, others trying to get back into the game.
In the final competition, the defenses outperformed the attacks and the rest of the game would see no more goals. Final result: 3-0 in this Portuguese-speaking duel.
The next game
Cape Verde's next game is on Monday against Egypt, which has two points and will guarantee second place and a place in the round of 16 if they win the match.
Mozambique, which is participating in its fifth CAN, has yet to win in 14 championship games. However, the next game is against Ghana who lost 2-1 in the first game, against Cape Verde, which gives both teams a chance of qualifying, with victory, as both teams have 1 point.
Conclusion
Cape Verde's dominant performance against Mozambique at CAN 2023 is a demonstration of their quality and determination. The spectacular goals from Bebé and Kevin Pina, combined with Ryan Mendes' record, solidify Cape Verde's position as an opponent to be taken seriously in the championship.
With a cohesive game strategy and individual prominence, Cape Verde is a team to watch in the final stages of CAN 2023, and who knows, could, who knows, surprise everyone and everything and win this Championship.
What do you think of Cape Verde's performance in this CAN 2023? Will they be able to win the championship? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.
See also:
CAN 2023: Guinea-Bissau Loses Again
CAN 2023: Cape Verde Won, Angola Missed
CAN 2023: Guinea-Bissau Starts Losing
CAN 2023: Cape Verde Summons 5 Players In Portugal
CAN 2023: 5 PALOP Countries Qualified
CAN 2023: PALOP with strong opponents
Picture: © 2024 DR
