World Cup (Q): History beckons for Cape Verde after beating Cameroon

Cape Verde are on the verge of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 triumph over Cameroon in a crucial qualifying Group D fixture. Only a point separated the two national sides heading into the crunch duel in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia.

The Indomitable Lions sought to collect maximum points in a packed Estádio Pelé, but the Blue Sharks were determined to keep them at bay. The first half saw few scoring chances and an intense midfield battle. Jovane Cabral forced an early save from Cameroon goalie André Onana, while André Zambo Anguissa came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors but his goal-bound header was collected by Vozinha.

In the second half, Cape Verde got their goal through a brilliant solo run from Dailon Livramento. The Cape Verde striker beat his marker and Onana to put the ball into the net. Cameroon rallied in search of an equalizer, but their efforts proved futile. Carlos Baleba saw his long-range strike sail wide in Cameroon’s best chance.

Cape Verde are on the verge of history after their hard-fought victory against Cameroon. The Blue Sharks sit top of their group with 19 points and two games to go, four points clear of Cameroon in second place. Cape Verde have never qualified for the World Cup in their entire football history. The two-time AFCON quarter-finalists will be hoping to finish the job on matchday nine against Libya in October.

Group D Table

1. Cape Verde- 19 points (8 matches played)
2. Cameroon- 15 points (8 matches)
3. Libya- 14 points (8 matches)
4. Angola- 7 points (7 matches)
5. Mauritius- 5 points (7 matches)
6. Eswatini- 2 points (8 matches)

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