Cape Verde and Mozambique faced each other on Friday for the second day of group B of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN). The Blue Sharks won (3-0) against the Mambas and won their ticket for the round of 16 of the competition.
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We now know the first qualifier for the round of 16 of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN). After his victory (3-0) against Mozambique, Friday January 19, at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan – and five days after triumphing over Ghana – Cape Verde retains first place in Group B with six points. With his two victories, he also obtained his ticket for the round of 16 of the competition.
From the start of the match, the Blue Sharks put pressure on the Mambas. At the 4e minute, the first strike of the match was signed by Deroy Duarte, but it was repelled by the Mambas goalkeeper, Ernan Siluane.
The following minutes saw the two teams neutralize each other. Few clear chances, until a header from Duarte a quarter of an hour into the game, which nevertheless missed the Mozambican goals.
You have to wait until 24e minute to see the first big chance of the match. It is for the Blue Sharks, and signed Bebé. On a free kick located around thirty meters from the Siluane goal, the Rayo Vallecano striker chose to hit directly at goal, but saw his attempt crash into the crossbar.
He decides to do it again less than ten minutes later, at 32e minute, this time, on a free kick located even further – more than 40 meters. Not even afraid. The Cape Verdean striker unleashes a floating and powerful shot which leaves Siluane no chance, allowing the Blue Sharks to open the scoring and Bebé to score the best goal of the tournament – for the moment. A style of free kick that recalls that of the Brazilian Juninho or the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mozambicans react to the 38e minute by Witiness Quembo. But his shot was caught without problem by Josimar Dias, the Cape Verde goalkeeper. The Mambas are however awarded a penalty in the 40the minute, but the referee, after consulting the VAR, finally decides to cancel it. At halftime, the Blue Sharks returned to the locker room with a one-goal advantage.
Mendes and Pina ensure the qualification of the Blue Sharks
The second half starts with a bang for the Cape Verdeans with a goal from Ryan Mendes (51e) after a defensive error from Edmilson Dove, allowing the Blue Sharks to make the break.
Less than ten minutes later (59e), the Mozambicans are on the verge of reducing the score and get their first big chance of the match. Geny Catamo hits a free kick directly with his left foot about twenty meters from the Cape Verdean goal, but sees his attempt die on the crossbar.
Read alsoFind the ranking of group B
The Blue Sharks bury the hopes of the Mambas in the 69the minute of play. Kevin Pina strikes 30 meters from Siluane’s goal. The ball, powerful, landed in the net of the Mozambican goalkeeper, beaten for the third time in the game.
The score will not change until the final whistle. Cape Verde won largely and became the first country to qualify for the round of 16. However, there is one match left for the Blue Sharks, Monday January 22, against Egypt. Mozambique will face Ghana on the same day.