Cape Verde struck late in the second half to book their spot in Africa Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Mauritania.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritania
Date: 29 January 2024
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Cape Verde certainly entered the clash as favourites after finishing top of Group B ahead of Egypt and Ghana, while Mauritania were one of the best third-place finishers.
The Blue Sharks welcomed Bebe and Jovane Cabral back into the attack after the 2-2 draw with Egypt last week, while El Hassan Houbein came in as the only change for Mauritania.
The game got off to a lively start, with Cape Verde looking lively going forward as captain Ryan Mendes went close with two chances in the opening 15 minutes but he should have been more clinical witht second chance.
Mauritania, meanwhile, managed to hold their own defensively for most of the first half but they were unable to fashion any openings at the other end, with goalkeeper Vozinha not having a big save to make in the opening 45 minutes.
However, that nearly changed in the 58th minute when a swift counter attack ended with Souleymane Anne being played in on goal, however the striker blazed wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Cape Verde managed to carve out a chance of their own in the 77th minute when Garry Rodrigues cut in from the left flank and unleashed a powerful strike from distance that force goalkeeper Niasse Babacar into a fine save.
With three minutes to go in the game, Cape Verde were afforded the chance to go ahead after being awarded a penalty for Niasse's foul on Gilson Benchimol, which allowed Captain Mendes step up and convert for the winning goal.
Cape Verde will face the winner of Tuesday's round of 16 clash between Morocco and South Africa.
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