Cape Verde still suffered but ended up beating the Mauritanian team by the narrowest of margins (1-0) on penalties this Monday, guaranteeing passage to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations (CAN2023).
The Blue Sharks took over in the first half but failed to score, allowing Mauritania to respond with several counter-attacks.
For the first time in a CAN2023 game, the Portuguese-speaking team, still undefeated, reached the end of the first half hour without scoring a single goal.
In the second half, in the 58th minute, Souleymane Anne missed a great chance: Mauritania put three ahead against a Cape Verdean defense caught off guard, but the forward’s shot went wide through goalkeeper Vozinya.
Cape Verde began to “strangle” Mauritania, positioning themselves in the opponent’s small court, but not scoring.
The dominance continued and by this point Vozinha was left alone in the Cape Verdean midfield and served the attack by passing the ball through his feet into the center of the field.
Bubista changed his attack early in the final 20 minutes, replacing Bebe with Harry Rodriguez and also replacing Derua Duarte with Kenny Roche.
In the 85th minute there was another change: Yovane left and Gilson Benchimol Tavares came in, a player who was soon brought down by the Mauritania goalkeeper.
Called upon to convert the penalty, Ryan Mendez scored in the 88th minute.
Cape Verde still fended off several attacks from Mauritania, but ultimately celebrated by reaching the quarter-finals of CAN2023.
Author: Lusa This morning Post
Source: CM Jornal
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