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Cape Verde are on the brink of a historic first World Cup appearance after sealing a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Praia, leaving them just one win away from topping Group D in African qualifying.
The island nation of fewer than 550,000 people stunned eight-time World Cup participants Cameroon thanks to a decisive strike from forward Dailon Livramento. The 24-year-old, who plays his club football in Italy and was born in the Netherlands to Cape Verdean parents, struck in the 54th minute to earn his side a famous win.
It was Livramento’s third goal of the qualifiers, following his match-winning brace against Angola in March. The result was especially sweet for the Blue Sharks after their 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in Yaoundé last year.
Cape Verde now lead the group with 19 points, four ahead of Cameroon. To secure their maiden place on football’s biggest stage, they require three more points from their final matches away to Libya and at home to Eswatini in October. Cameroon, meanwhile, must face Mauritius and Angola as they attempt to keep their campaign alive.
The defeat not only dented Cameroon’s hopes of a direct spot but also pushed them down to fifth among the second-placed teams, with only the top four advancing to a play-off mini-tournament that offers another chance to reach the finals.
For Cape Verde, the transformation has been remarkable. Only a year ago they finished bottom of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group, managing a single win from six matches. Under coach Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista, and led by 35-year-old captain Ryan Mendes, the team have risen to within touching distance of history.
Elsewhere in qualifying, Senegal pulled off a stunning comeback in Kinshasa, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Democratic Republic of Congo 3-2. Goals from Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa had put the Congolese ahead, but a second-half revival ended with Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr scoring the winner. Senegal now top Group B and can clinch their World Cup place in October.
Nigeria’s hopes, however, remain in jeopardy after a 1-1 draw away to South Africa. A first-half own goal from captain William Troost-Ekong and a leveller from Calvin Bassey left the Super Eagles six points adrift of the group leaders, with their qualification chances likely hinging on the play-offs.
In Group A, Egypt missed the chance to book an early spot after being held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso. The Pharaohs now need just two points from their final matches to confirm a fourth World Cup qualification.
