Cape Verde became the first team to book a slot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following their 3-0 win over Mozambique on Friday evening.
The islanders had opened with a shock 1-0 win over Ghana with the latest win taking their tally to 6 points meaning they are guaranteed a top spot heading into the last group game after Ghana and Egypt battled to a 2-2 draw on Thursday night.
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Former Manchester United striker Bebe opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after sending the ball into the net from a long-distance direct free kick. It went exactly inside the right post though the Mozambique keeper ought to have done better in blocking the effort.
They were to double their lead six minutes into the second half. A mistake from the defence gifted a chance to a lurking captain Ryan Mendes, who kept his cool and rolled the ball into the net from close range. Kevin Lenini then scored one of the best goals in the tournament after his shot from distance went straight inside the left post.
Mozambique’s best moments came through Geny Catamo. He won a penalty in the first half, which was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR), and hit the crossbar with a free-kick.
Mozambique, who have never won an Africa Cup of Nations game, could also reach the knockout stages if they beat Ghana.
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