AFCON: Cape Verde first team through to knockout stage after Mozambique win

Cape Verde became the first country to qualify for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Mozambique on Friday. With maximum points and just one goal conceded after their opening Group B encounter, the Blue Sharks are already assured of a top-two finish.

Playing at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Cape Verde immediately took control and launched wave after wave of attack. Striker Bebé signalled their intent early on, smashing a long-range shot against the crossbar. The deadlock was broken in the 32nd minute when he made amends, firing a perfectly executed long-range free-kick the goalkeeper could only parry into the net.

Mozambique struggled to get a foothold in the game but came close to an equaliser before halftime as Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha almost gifted them a goal. However, the Blue Sharks remained dangerous, and the points were secured in the second period through goals from Ryan Mendes and Kevin Pina.

Mendes coolly slotted home from inside the penalty area on 51 minutes before Pina capped off an excellent attacking display with another well-taken goal from distance. By the final whistle, Cape Verde were cruising against an outclassed Mozambique who must now win their remaining group matches to progress. For Cape Verde coach Bubista, masterminding such a performance bodes well for the rest of the tournament.

Defensively solid yet rampant going forward, on this evidence, they may take some stopping. Mozambique, on the other hand, face a mountain to climb after being comprehensively outplayed. The scoreline did not flatter Cape Verde, who delivered an early statement of intent in their opening 2-1 defeat of Ghana. With a place in the last 16 already secured, their sights are now set on winning the group.