Cape Verde dominate Mozambique in Group B clash

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast 

Cape Verde cruised past Mozambique in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B match 3-0 on Friday afternoon at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

The Blue Sharks started off strong and were attacking against the Black Mambas, who couldn’t get a foot in the beginning stages of the match.

Bebé was surely a threat in the first half as his first shot on goal hit the crossbar as he made a shot from outside the penalty area.

A blunder from Blue Sharks goalkeeper Vozinha almost saw them concede as he dribbled the ball inside the box and was almost dispossesed by the opposition.

By the 32nd minute, Bebé broke the deadlock by once again taking a shot on goal from outside the box from a free kick and the goalkeeper Hernâni Silaune failed to make the save. As the first half came to a close,

Mozambique showed promising signs of scoring but could not capitalise.

The Black Mambas were awarded a penalty but after a review from the VAR the penalty was no longer given.

The second half saw Mozambique come alive but it would be to no avail as the Blue Sharks continued to dominate from an attacking point of view. 

Ryan Mendes scored the team’s second goal in the 51st minute with a right footed shot on goal in the penalty area.

Kevin Pina made it 3-0 for the Blue Sharks after he scored from outside the box in the 69th minute. The Black Mambas were then heavily subdued and failed to score from their chances. 

Which will be disappointing as towards the end of the match, they had more of the ball possession.

Cape Verde: Vozinha, S. Moreira (G. Rodrigues 80’), L. Costa, R. Lopes, J.P. Fernandes, D. Duarte (K. Santos 80’), K. Pina, J. Monteiro (Cuca 80’), R. Mendes, Bebé (W. Semedo 60’), J. Cabral (D. Tavares 75’)

Mozambique: H. Siluane, R. Macandza (I. Nanani 78’), E. Dove, Mexer, V. Langa (G. Vilanculos 78’), Guima. A. Amade (S. Nangy 65’), Domingos,G. Catamo, Witi (D. Pelembe 46’), S. Ratifo (L. King 46’)