Cape Verde secured a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, thanks to a late penalty converted by Ryan Mendes. The Blue Sharks matched their best-ever AFCON performance by advancing to the quarter-finals, while the Lions of Chinguetti exited the tournament after making history as the first Mauritanian side to progress beyond the group stage.
The Blue Sharks dominated the early stages, with Mendes threatening twice in the first 10 minutes. Mauritania gradually grew into the game, and Bodda Mouhsine tested the goalkeeper with a shot midway through the half. Both teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0. The second half witnessed opportunities for both sides, including a clear chance for Bouna Amar in the 57th minute, but poor finishing maintained the scoreline as the match approached its final 10 minutes.
In the closing stages, Cape Verde increased the pressure. A handball in the area in the 86th minute provided Mendes with the opportunity to convert the decisive penalty. The Blue Sharks held their ground during 10 minutes of added time to secure a historic victory.
Cape Verde will now face either Morocco or South Africa in the quarterfinals at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium on February 3. The result marks an impressive AFCON journey for the Blue Sharks, who navigated a challenging group featuring Angola, Burkina Faso, and Algeria. Mauritania can also take pride in their inaugural appearance in the knockout stage.
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