In a thrilling encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde Islands emerged as the victors with a 1-0 win over Mauritania in the last-16 clash on Monday.
The smallest country at the 24-team tournament, Cape Verde, advanced to the quarter-final with a late penalty conversion by their captain Ryan Mendes, who was also a part of the team in their previous quarter-final appearance in 2013.
Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse conceded the penalty two minutes from time as he brought down substitute striker Gilson Benchimol while coming out to get a poor back header from Yassin Cheikh El Welly.
Mendes stepped up and blasted home the spot kick to secure the deserved win for the Cape Verdians, who had dominated the match.
With a population of some 600,000, Cape Verde had earlier secured their place in the knockout phase by beating Ghana and Mozambique in their opening Group B games.
They faced Mauritania, who had upset Algeria in their last game to reach the knockouts for the first time.
The match was fast-paced, with both teams creating chances.
Mendes had an opportunity to score in the third minute but was denied by a deflection.
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.org.ng/afcon-2023-caf-picks-up-super-eagles-striker-osimhen-for-random-drug-test/
He produced a superb first touch six minutes later but was narrowly wide.
Cape Verde’s high-pressing game put Mauritania on the back foot, but clear-cut chances were in short supply.
Mauritania had a good opportunity from a free-kick in the 57th minute, but their dipping effort flew towards the goal and onto the roof of the net.
They had an even better chance two minutes later as Souleymane Anne missed a left-footed effort from close range that swerved away from the target and clipped the outside of the woodwork.
Cape Verde ratcheted up the tempo in the last 15 minutes, winning a series of corners, but Niasse made some decisive saves while Cape Verde’s shooting also let them down.
However, their relentless pressure forced the error that led to the penalty and a dramatic finish.
Cape Verde, with a population of some 600,000, will now meet either Morocco or South Africa in the last eight on Saturday.
Losing coach Amir Abdou said, “It’s sad for us but we’ve had a great tournament. We missed a little experience, speed, and continuity.”
