Cape Verde’s successful adventure at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continued as they advanced to the quarterfinals after beating Mauritania 1-0 in the round of 16 on Monday night.
A late penalty from Veteran striker, Ryan Mendes, saw the Blue Sharks claimed a deserved victory, as they moved into the quarterfinals to match their best-ever AFCON showing, while the Lions of Chinguetti bowed out after an historic first progression beyond the group stage of the continental soccer showpiece.
Mendes threatened twice in the opening 10 minutes, with a shot deflected just wide of the target and an attempted lob, which nearly caught out Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse.
Mauritania’s first effort in anger came from Bodda Mouhsine, who whipped a shot just wide direct from a free kick in the 15th minute.
The Lions of Chinguetti suffered an injury blow and were forced to replace Omare Gassama with Guessouma Fofana in the 35th minute, while the half closed out with the teams still locked at 0-0.
The teams traded chances in the opening phase of the second half, and just before the hour mark Mauritania created the clearest opportunity of the game via a powerful run from Bouna Amar, but Souleymane Anne blazed a shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The next major goal threat came from the Blue Sharks on 78 minutes, with Jovane cutting in from the left flank and firing off a shot which required a sharp save from Niasse.
The Mauritanian ‘keeper made an even better save shortly thereafter, reacting superbly to palm away Mendes’ glancing header from a corner kick.
On 86 minutes, a Mauritanian error in defence allowed Cape Verde attacker Gilson to nick ahead of Niasse and earn his team a penalty – Mendes took the spot kick and fired home to put the Blue Sharks 1-0 up and on course for the quarterfinals.
Cape Verde still had to see themselves through a tense 10 minutes of injury time, but held out to secure the progression to the next stage.
It will now meet the potential winner between hosts Ivory Coast and defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinal encounter.
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