’23 AFCON: How Cape Verde, Senegal defeated Mozambique, Cameroon to clinch round 16

Stephen Dunmoye



Former Manchester United forward Bebe’s long-range free-kick set Cape Verde on the way to a 3-0 win over Mozambique in Group C of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday as the Atlantic Ocean island nation became the first team through to the last 16.


Bebe opened the scoring with a dead-ball strike from 40 metres just after the half-hour mark in front of 5,794 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Captain Ryan Mendes doubled their lead just after half-time and Kevin Pina wrapped up the win with a stunning strike midway through the second half.

Cape Verde’s biggest ever AFCON victory leaves them on six points and means they are now certain to finish on top of Group B, after they beat Ghana 2-1 in their opening game.

Their next match is on Monday against Egypt, who have two points and will clinch second place and a last-16 spot of their own with a win.

Mozambique, appearing at their fifth Cup of Nations, have still never won a match in 14 attempts at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Senegal has also secured round of 16 ticket in Group C after defeating Cameron by 3 goals to 1, leaving thek with 6 points and top on the table.