The Cape Verde Islands, the smallest country participating in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, have secured a spot in the next stage of the competition after a fantastic 3-0 victory over Mozambique on Friday.
This was their second consecutive win in Group B, following their stunning 2-1 triumph over Ghana on Sunday.
Former Manchester United forward, Bebe, put on an impressive performance, scoring a brilliant free-kick from 35 metres out in the 32nd minute.
Shortly after, team captain Ryan Mendes scored their second goal after the break at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
Kevin Pina’s long-range shot made it 3-0 in the 69th minute, adding to the excitement of the match.
After two rounds of group matches at the tournament in the Ivory Coast, Cape Verde sits comfortably on top of the table with six points, while Egypt has two points, and both Ghana and Mozambique have one point each.
Bebe’s first goal in the 32nd minute was an astonishingly powerful free-kick that swerved violently in the air and went through the hands of Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan.
It was hit from closer to the halfway line than the Mozambican goal.
Bebe had already served notice of his set-piece prowess with a rasping effort eight minutes earlier, which was around five metres closer than his later effort but rattled the Mozambique crossbar.
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Cape Verde’s second goal in the 51st minute came after a horror error from Mozambique center-back Edmilson, who was dispossessed in his area when he had plenty of time to clear the ball.
Ryan Mendes duly fired the ball home.
Pina’s goal was another breathtaking strike, from halfway inside the Mozambican half and struck with venom, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Despite their heroics of Sunday when they came within minutes of an upset win over Egypt, Mozambique rarely troubled their opponents in this Lusophone derby.
They were awarded a penalty five minutes before halftime when Geny Catamo appeared to have been sandwiched between two Cape Verde defenders, but it was ruled as no foul after a VAR check.
Mozambique remains without a win in their Cup of Nations history, with a record of two draws and 12 losses in 14 past matches.
Cape Verde, with a population of some 600,000, completes their group against Egypt on Monday while Mozambique meets Ghana in the other group game at the same time.
Both matches will take place in Abidjan, where two stadiums are being used for the 24-team tournament.
