AFCON 2023: Cape Verde Beats Mozambique, Qualifies For Round of 16

Cape Verde Islands in Friday evening became the first team to reach the Round of 16 stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire after their emphatic 3-0 win over Mozambique.

Former Manchester United forward Bebe left a longstanding impression at the tournament when he scored a stunning 40-yard free-kick in the 32nd minute while captain of the side, Ryan Mendes doubled the lead of the Capeverdians six minutes after the break.

Kevin Pina added salt into injury in the 69th minute when his shot saw the ball found its way to the top corner.

The game turned on its head for Mozambique when Geny Catamo won a penalty but the advantage was eventually overturned by the VAR.

Catamo also saw the ball hit the crossbar from a free-kick

The Blue Sharks are currently atop the table in Group B with six points ahead of Ghana and Egypt.

The tournament in the Ivory Coast is Cape Verde’s fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations outing, and the team ranked 73rd in the world, has advanced from the group stages in three of them.