2023 AFCON: Cape Verde vs Mozambique report

by Thando Mpembe

Friday Jan 19, 2024. 18:49

Cape Verde cruised past Mozambique in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B match 3-0 on Friday afternoon at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Date: 19 January 2024

Cape Verde (1) 2 (Bebé ’32, Mendes 51’, Pina 69’)

Mozambique (0) 0

Cape Verde: Vozinha, S. Moreira (G. Rodrigues 80’), L. Costa, R. Lopes, J.P. Fernandes, D. Duarte (K. Santos 80’), K. Pina, J. Monteiro (Cuca 80’), R. Mendes, Bebé (W. Semedo 60’), J. Cabral (D. Tavares 75’)

Mozambique: H. Siluane, R. Macandza (I. Nanani 78’), E. Dove, Mexer, V. Langa (G. Vilanculos 78’), Guima. A. Amade (S. Nangy 65’), Domingos,G. Catamo, Witi (D. Pelembe 46’), S. Ratifo (L. King 46’)

First 45’: Cape Verde showed determination from the whistle and dominated in their attacking efforts. It only took 32 minutes for the Blue Sharks to score through Bebé, who took a sublime free kick from outside the box to open the scoring. Before the end of the first half, Mozambique were awarded a penalty by the referee but VAR overturned the decision, leaving the Black Mambas frustrated.

Second 45’: The second half saw Mozambique do better in terms of keeping possession and taking shots on goal, but they were ultimately unsuccessful. Two more goals were scored by Cape Verde in the second half. The first from Ryan Mendes who took a right footed shot inside the penalty area and convered successfully in the 51st minute. In the 69th minute, Kevin Pina made it 3-0 with a lovely shot from outside the box making it inside the back of the net.

What’s next: Cape Verde will look forward to their next match against Egypt and will go into the match with a cushion having one their first two matches in Group B. Mozambique will look to do better in their game against Ghana.