Cabo Verde Triumphs Over Eswatini to Secure First-Ever Spot in World Cup

Cabo Verde has made history by defeating Eswatini 3-0, securing their first-ever spot in the World Cup scheduled for 2026. This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, known as the Blue Sharks.

Cabo Verde’s Dominance in the Match

The game showcased Cabo Verde’s overwhelming control from the start. Coach Bubista’s squad established strong midfield dominance, utilizing both speed and tactical plays to penetrate Eswatini’s defense. The Eswatini team struggled to create any effective counterattacks.

Key Players Shine

• Ryan Mendes: The team captain made several pivotal runs on the flanks.
• Dailon Livramento: Nearly scored in the first half, coming close with a shot that missed by inches.
• Jamiro Monteiro: Had a strong opportunity in the first half, thwarted by Eswatini’s goalkeeper, Shabalala.

The score remained tied at 0-0 at halftime, despite Cabo Verde’s commanding performance. However, the breakthrough came early in the second half.

Second Half Breakthrough

Only three minutes into the second half, Cabo Verde started their celebration. A cross from Steven Moreira found Roberto Lopes, who cleverly baited defenders. The loose ball was picked up by Dailon Livramento, who opened the scoring.

Jamiro Monteiro almost extended the lead shortly after but hit the crossbar. On the 54th minute, Diney’s header assisted Willy Semedo for a close-range finish, boosting the score to 2-0.

Game Control and Final Victory

With a two-goal cushion, Cabo Verde managed the game effectively. Eswatini struggled to create meaningful chances, and the Blue Sharks maintained possession confidently.

In a strategic move, coach Bubista substituted in Stopira, who made his first appearance in over two years. In the closing moments, he contributed to the final score of 3-0, capitalizing on a rebound from Garry Rodrigues’ shot.

A Historic Celebration

The victory sparked celebrations across Santiago Island. The Cabo Verde government even declared a public holiday to encourage citizens to witness this potentially historic moment. Cabo Verde’s win not only secured their place in the World Cup but also crowned them champions of Group D in the African qualifiers.

Facing minimal risks, Cabo Verde played decisively, ensuring they were not dependent on other results, particularly after Cameroon drew with Angola. This triumph sets the stage for the Blue Sharks’ unprecedented journey into the World Cup arena.