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Qualification for the Ivory Coast 2023 tournament has ensured Cape Verde will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations for a second consecutive time.
Cape Verde will be looking to build on their performance in Cameroonian two years ago. With the addition of young talents like Logan Costa and Deroy Duarte, there is real optimism that the West Africans have what it takes to challenge the status quo.
Cape Verde’s Group B Matches:
– January 14, 2024: Ghana vs. Cape Verde, 8:00 p.m. GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
– January 19, 2024: Cape Verde vs. Mozambique, 2:00 p.m. GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
– January 22, 2024: Cape Verde vs. Egypt, 8:00 p.m. GMT, Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan
Player to Watch: Ryan Mendes
Ryan Mendes is as modern as wingers come. He possesses a unique set of skills that allow him to function in different attacking roles while remaining efficient. Aside from his dribbling ability and close control, Mendes has a sudden burst of pace that allows him to get away from defenders.
Mendes will be appearing in his third AFCON for Cape Verde. He was instrumental in the country’s quarter final run in the South Africa 2013 tournament, and was also present in Cameroun two years ago.
Coach: Pedro Leitao Brito, aka “Bubista”
Leitao has a reputation of running an open door, democratic policy as a coach. On some occasions, he reportedly consults his team on the best solution for problems.
Since his appointment in 2020, Leitao has forged an exciting unit that thrives in a 4-3-3 formation. They have a good mix of tactical soundness and physicality. For the aggression and athleticism they show, Leitao’s backline can be deceptively good at starting attacks from the back
However, critics have questioned his unwillingness to give the team more freedom and his perceived fixation with pragmaticm.
Cape Verde’s AFCON Achievements:
– 2013: Quarter-final
– 2015: Group stage
– 2021: Round of 16
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