Cape Verde: World Cup momentum already broken

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Cabo Verde

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Rwanda

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Cape Verde have failed to build on the momentum from their first World Cup. After a historic run at the 2026 World Cup, the Blue Sharks began their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with two consecutive defeats.

The contrast is stark. At the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde made a strong impression in their first appearance. The Blue Sharks recorded three draws in the group stage: 0-0 against Spain, 2-2 against Uruguay and 0-0 against Saudi Arabia.

Those three points allowed them to finish second in their group and qualify for the round of 32, a historic first for the national team.

Their run continued against Argentina. Twice trailing, Cape Verde managed to come back each time before eventually losing 3-2 after extra time. The national team therefore left the tournament with just one defeat in four matches.

The return to competitive action has been much more complicated. In Bamako, Cape Verde lost 3-1 to Mali on the first matchday of 2027 AFCON qualifying. After Ange Martial Tia opened the scoring, Sidny Lopes Cabral equalised. Nene Dorgeles then scored twice to secure all three points for the Eagles.

The Blue Sharks then suffered a second defeat, this time against Rwanda, and therefore remain without a point after their opening two matches.

Vozinha, a symbol of the contrast

Vozinha had been one of the faces of Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign. At 40, the goalkeeper had notably kept clean sheets against Spain and Saudi Arabia. His performances earned him a nomination for the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper of the season.

A few weeks later, the context is completely different. In the defeat to Mali, the Cape Verdean goalkeeper was notably involved in Mali’s third goal, with Nene Dorgeles taking advantage of his advancement to score his second goal of the match.

His case obviously does not, by itself, sum up the national team’s difficulties. Nevertheless, it illustrates the contrast between their World Cup run and the start of this African campaign.

Cape Verde already under pressure

With two defeats to start, Cape Verde find themselves in a difficult situation in Group K. Mali and Rwanda have each won their opening match, while Liberia complete the group.

The schedule still gives the Blue Sharks four matches in which to try to get back into contention. They will face Liberia twice in November, before hosting Mali on March 24, 2027, and travelling to Rwanda on March 28.

Having finished their first World Cup with three draws and just one defeat, Cape Verde are therefore experiencing a very different start to their AFCON campaign. The opening two matchdays have quickly transformed the Blue Sharks from a global revelation into a national team forced to respond.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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Cabo Verde

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations