World Cup Qualifying: Group D leaders Cape Verde win, Libya stuns Angola in Luanda

Cape Verde did what they needed to maintain their lead in Group D from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Thursday. The Blue Sharks overcame hosts Mauritius by a 2-0 score while in the other Group D match played simulataneously, Libya stunned Angola 1-0 in Luanda for a crucial victory.

Jovane Cabral | Mauritius 0-1 Cape Verde pic.twitter.com/kEudkqeYkm

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 4, 2025

A dreadful goalkeeping error from Mauritius custodian Dorian Chiotti gave Cape Verde the edge they needed at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex. Jovane Cabral’s low shot appeared to be relatively harmless but Chiotti allowed the ball to sneak through him, a mistake that the hosts could not recover from.

Mauritius did create some danger for the robust Cape Verdean defense but Diney Borges nodded in from Sidne Cabral’s 71st minute corner kick to put the group leaders out of reach. Cape Verde now lead the group by four points, putting pressure on Cameroon to win against Eswatini later on Thursday evening.

But the notable result of the day was devastating for the hopes of Angola, who fell at home by a 0-1 score to Libya. With both teams needing a victory, Libya defended admirably and caught the Palancas Negras sleeping early in the second half when Ezzeddin El Maremi headed in from a cross following a deadly counter-attack.

Angola created numerous opportunities but failed to find the goal they needed in front of the home support, effectively ending any dreams of World Cup qualification. The result leaves Libya five points back of group leaders Cape Verde and puts further pressure on Cameroon with only one point separating the Indomitable Lions from the North African side.

Group D Table

1. Cape Verde- 16 points (7 matches played)
2. Cameroon- 12 points (6 matches)
3. Libya- 11 points (7 matches)
4. Angola- 7 points (7 matches)
5. Mauritius- 5 points (7 matches)
6. Eswatini- 2 points (6 matches)

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