Abidjan, Ivory Coast – The Cape Verde national football team made history today by becoming the first squad to qualify for the knockout stage of the AFCON 2023 tournament after defeating Mozambique 3-0 at Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium behind goals in the first and second halves.
A spectacular 40-yard free kick from former Manchester United forward Bebe set Cape Verde on their way to a 3-0 win over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. The victory guaranteed Cape Verde top spot in Group B and a place in the knockout rounds.
Bebe smashed home his long-range set piece in the 32nd minute, a strike too powerful for Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan.
The midfielder then saw another free kick crash off the crossbar minutes later as he tormented the opposing defense.
Captain Ryan Mendes doubled Cape Verde’s lead just after halftime, pouncing on a defensive mistake to slot home from close range.
The Blue Sharks then put the game beyond reach when Kevin Pina fired an unstoppable 30-yard rocket into the top corner in the 69th minute.
The dominant 3-0 win builds on Cape Verde’s impressive 2-1 victory over Ghana in their opening match. With six points and a +4 goal difference, they have now clinched first place in Group B regardless of results on the final matchday.
The victory sets up a last 16 clash with a third-placed team on January 29th, which Cape Verde will be confident of progressing from.
Meanwhile, Mozambique have yet to pick up a point at their fifth AFCON tournament, despite threathening at times in attack. They face Ghana next, with both teams on one point vying for qualification behind Cape Verde.
On Friday night though, it was the Bebe show, as the former Manchester United man announced himself on the AFCON stage with a Goal of the Tournament contender that sent Cape Verde cruising into the knockout rounds.
