#7. Cape Verde 🇨🇻
Population: 561,901
Nickname: Blue Sharks
Appearances: 4th
Last Appearance: 21
Coach: Pedro Leitao Brito ‘Bubista’
Best AFCON results: Quarter-finals (2013)
Skipper: Vozinha
Player to watch:
Region: WAFU
CAF Rankings: 14
FIFA Rankings: 67
Top scorer: Heldon Ramos (15)
Most caps: Ryan Mendes (69)
Cape Verde will make their 4th appearance at the AFCON 2023 as the Blue Sharks have been fantastic in football recently. A country with a population of less than 1 million, to play in four AFCONs since 2013 is incredible.
The Blue Sharks commenced the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a goalless draw against Angola at home and won 2-0 away in Eswatini. 4 points from six isn’t bad as the minnows are still punching above their weight.
In Group B of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, Cape Verde finished second on 10 points with just one point separating them and the winner Burkina Faso. The 3-1 win over Burkina Faso was the pinnacle of Cape Verdean football in 2023.
Former Manchester United forward Bebe is expected to inspire the Blue Sharks in a group against Egypt, Ghana and Mozambique.
The core of the team
Skipper Vozinha is the number-one goalkeeper for Cape Verde as Picoro and Stopila are due to protect Vozinha at the back.
Joao Paulo and Andrade are the men to serve as the link between the midfield attack and defence.
Bebe, Monteiro, and Mendes are the forwards Bubista will expect goals from.
Probable 11
4-3-3
Vozinha
Semedo, Pico, Stopila, Tavares
Andrade, Joao Paulo, Monteiro
Bebe, Mendes, Texeira
Notable legends
Ryan Mendes, Heldon Ramos, Ze Luis, Calo, Julio Tavares, Babanco, Vozinha, Stopira, Gilson Tavares, Papalele
Expectations: Group Stage exit
Fixtures
Ghana v Cape Verde
Cape Verde v Mozambique
Cape Verde v Egypt
