AFCON 2023: Bebe free-kick helps Cape Verde defeat Mozambique

Bebe netted a 40-yard free-kick, propelling Cape Verde to victory against Mozambique and securing their spot as the first team to advance to the last-16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The forward from Rayo Vallecano, formerly of Manchester United, unleashed a powerful strike from 40 yards, beating goalkeeper Ernan Siluane, who could have performed better.

Captain Ryan Mendes capitalized on a defensive error to extend their lead, and Kevin Pina sealed the victory with a stunning long-range shot into the top corner in Abidjan.

Despite Mozambique’s efforts, including Geny Catamo winning a penalty in the first half (overturned by VAR), hitting the crossbar with a free-kick, and managing two shots on target, Cape Verde emerged victorious.

With this win, Cape Verde has secured the top spot in Group B, surpassing former champions Egypt and Ghana.

They will face North Africans in their final group match on Monday (20:00 GMT), with the knowledge that they will meet a third-placed finisher from Group A, C, or D in the last 16 a week later.

Cape Verde surprise winners of tough group

The outcome of Cape Verde securing the top spot in a group featuring Egypt and Ghana with a game in hand is certainly unexpected. Bubista’s squad, currently ranked 73rd globally, is participating in their fourth Africa Cup of Nations, managing to advance from the group stages in three of those instances.

Coming into this match with confidence from their earlier successes against Ghana and Egypt, Cape Verde faced Mozambique, ranked 111th in the FIFA rankings, and emerged victorious.

Bebe, who switched international allegiance from Portugal to Cape Verde and debuted in 2022, demonstrated his skills by hitting the woodwork with a free-kick before capitalizing on some questionable goalkeeping to score from a long range.

Following that pivotal moment, the islanders maintained control, and Witi’s attempt marked Mozambique’s lone shot on target until Geny managed to force a save in injury time.

Egypt, holding two points, and Ghana, with one point, still have the potential to advance, as the top four third-placed teams will proceed to the last 16.

Mozambique, yet to secure a victory in Africa Cup of Nations history, also has a chance to progress to the knockout stages if they defeat Ghana.