AFCON 2023: Giant Killers in test of might in Cote D'Ivoire

Posted : 19 January 2024

While both teams, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde and the Mambas of Mozambique, are not in any specific order or ranking heading into the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), they have proven to be tough opponents in the first game against tournament favorites and heavyweight teams in African football, the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Black Stars of Ghana.

For the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde to upset Ghana in the first match, something unique about the team was evident, marking their biggest win in the AFCON tournament so far.

The other team, the Mambas of Mozambique, is not any different, as they also almost beat the seven-time AFCON winners, Egypt, except for the last-minute penalty scored by England's Liverpool FC legend Mo Salah, resulting in a testy 1-1 draw.

Cape Verde should set their sights on progressing from the Africa Cup of Nations group stage as they prepare to face Mozambique at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Starting their Group B campaign with a victory over Ghana, the Blue Sharks demonstrated their prowess, in contrast to the Mambas, who endured late heartbreak against the seven-time champions, Egypt.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cape Verde beat 10-man Ethiopia in AFCON - Multimedia ...

Celebrating a well-deserved third win at AFCON, Cape Verde sealed a 2-1 triumph against Ghana on Sunday. Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues’ goals flanked Alexander Djiku’s second-half equalizer, culminating in a 92nd-minute strike reflecting their dominance.

Facing a team that secured a 2-2 draw against seven-time AFCON winners, Egypt, the Blue Sharks must realize that the match against the Mambas is crucial, as they will face the same Egypt in the last game of the Group B encounter, which may not be as easy as facing another tournament underdog, the Mambas of Mozambique.

If the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde win this game, they have a 100 percent chance of advancing to the round of 16, regardless of other match outcomes, as they will be on an unassailable six points.

So, with a clash against Egypt looming in their final group fixture, the Blue Sharks anticipate facing it without the pressure of needing a result, offering them a strategic advantage.

Meanwhile, Mozambique’s coach, Chiquinho Conde, hopes his players have overcome the disappointment from Sunday’s defeat to Egypt as they gear up to face Cape Verde.

Despite trailing early to Mostafa Mohamed’s goal, the Mambas rallied post-half time, securing a 2-1 lead through goals from Witi and Clesio Bauque. However, a late penalty from Mohamed Salah thwarted their chance at a historic win.

While Mozambique exhibited promise in counter-attacks against Egypt, the question remains whether they can capitalize on such opportunities in the upcoming clash against Cape Verde.

Despite execution lapses against the North African giants, fans are optimistic that reduced pressure against Cape Verde will enhance decision-making for a nation aiming for its first victory at this level.

As these two teams clash, the encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with both sides striving for success in this crucial match that could significantly influence their tournament fate.

AFCON 2023: Giant Killers in test of might in Cote D'Ivoire

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics