AFCON Round of 16: Cape Verde vs Mauritania preview
Cape Verde meet Mauritania in today’s Africa Cup of Nations action, with both sides hoping to become the fifth side to qualify for the quarterfinals.
These were two sides largely unheralded heading into the tournament, two that disposed of AFCON giants on their path to the knockouts. How, then, will they fare against each other?
The case for Cape Verde
The Blue Sharks became the first side to qualify for the AFCON knockout stages after securing Group B’s top-spot within two matchdays.
They began with a dramatic 2-1 win over Ghana’s Black Stars before a pair of stunning goals helped them to a 3-0 victory against Mozambique.
Kevin Pina (R) and Bebé both scored from long-range
They then faced an Egypt side on the brink of elimination, but they held these desperate Pharaohs to a 2-2 draw.
Bryan Teixeira scored one of two stoppage time goals in a crazy game
Coach Pedro “Bubista” Brito has a strong record with the Blue Sharks, and that is hardly surprising when you watch them play.
They netted seven times during the group stages, a figure that marks their attacking prowess.
Former Manchester United striker Bebé provides a physical presence in the centre of attack, creating the space for their wide players to flourish.
The veteran Ryan Mendes is one player causing havoc from the flanks, boasting a goal, an assist, and a man of the match award after three games played.
Mendes scores against Mozambique
His side may be firing on all cylinders, but Bubista knows that Mauritania will provide stern opposition.
He said: “Mauritania is a difficult opponent. This team showed cohesion and quality. Their victory against Algeria is well deserved. They have a solid defence.
“This is going to be a very tactical encounter and we will have to play our cards well.”
The Blue Sharks also reached the knockout stages in 2013 and 2021, the only other AFCONs they have competed in.
However, they were eliminated immediately by Ghana and Senegal, so they have the opportunity for a first knockout win today.
“We are aware of the importance of these matches. For us, this is something unique. We are focused on the same goal, we just have victory in sight,” says Bebé.
Jonny Coffey
The case for Mauritania
The Mauritanian national team secured qualification to the round of 16 in the Africa Cup of Nations after a heroic 1-0 victory against Algeria, stamping the significant progress in Mauritanian football over the past few years.
The Lions of Chinguetti hit two birds with one stone with that result, securing their first-ever victory in the Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying for the second round (as one of the best third-placed teams) for the first time in their history.
Mauritania now face Cape Verde in the Round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Manager Amir Abdou has led them with distinction, having previously helped the Comoros national team reach the Round of 16 in their Africa Cup of Nations debut two years ago.
The Frenchman, whose roots trace back to the Comoros, has now replicated this achievement with Mauritania after taking charge in March 2022.
One of Abdou’s standout qualities is his ability to take a group of relatively unknown players and mold them into a cohesive team capable of competing, at the very least.
Abdou has carried the same spirit to Mauritania, a team that had never even secured a draw in an AFCON match before their historic victory over 2019 champions Algeria last Tuesday.
Burkina Faso and Angola scored late goals to steal wins over Mauritania
The qualification of the Mauritanian national team to the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations is not a mere coincidence but rather the result of significant and continuous efforts by football authorities in Mauritania over the past years.
The training center and headquarters have been transformed into highly advanced facilities, and there has been a notable improvement in working resources. This infrastructure development has played a crucial role in the progress of the national team, allowing them to qualify for the latest three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
They will be ready to give it everything against The Blue Sharks.
Mohammad Joseph
