If the Cape Verde - Mauritania poster might seem incongruous on paper for an African Cup round of 16, those who followed the first round of this CAN 2024 were hoping for an exciting meeting between the two sensations at the start of the tournament, Monday January 29, at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan. Cape Verde actually finished first in its group and undefeated, ahead of Egypt and Ghana, while Mauritania, a surprise guest, had the luxury of eliminating Algeria.
The start of the match lived up to expectations, with a festival from Ryan Mendes who dribbled past the Mauritanian defenders, but saw his shot blocked. The ball shakes the small… outside net (3rd). It is announced, this match will not be a game of chess, with two "box-to-box" teams, which has been rather successful for them so far. But now the surprise effect no longer works.
The Blue Sharks have the advantage, Mendes still insists, but his hand control is punished (11th). Mauritania plays lower, hinders the construction of Cape Verdean actions, and also manages to project itself forward. On a good free kick, Mouhsine sees his curled shot pass just next to the post of Vozinha, who had followed well (15th).
Mauritania thwarts Cape Verde
Without any complexes, the Mauritanians disrupt the game of their opponents. Cape Verde seems to have difficulty donning the costume of favorite in this match and loses a little of its "grinta".
Is it the heat or the backlash from the efforts made at the start of the match? The fact remains that the match bogs down after half an hour of play. The ball is still circulating in the middle, but the rhythm and intensity are no longer there. Mendes tries a brilliant move before the break, but he again and again comes up against the green wall that the Mauritanians have erected in front of their goal.
Returning from the locker room, both teams return determined to make a difference. And it's Cabral who tries it first, managing to infiltrate the area, but his shot is boxed by Niasse (46th).
Then it was the Mourabitounes' turn to show off before the hour mark with the inevitable Aboubakary Koita, whose free kick went just over the crossbar (57th). He then sends a pass to Anne in front of the goal, but the latter does not find the target (59th).
The deliverance of Mendes
The Mourabitounes will perhaps regret these missed opportunities, since the Blue Sharks quickly found some bite, multiplying the offensive on Niasse's goal. The Mauritanian goalkeeper diverts a shot from Rodrigues (78th), then from Mendes (80th). But on a bad delivery from Elweny, Niasse throws himself at Gelson's feet. Indisputable penalty!
Ryan Mendes does not need to be asked and finally delivers Cape Verde (88th, 1-0). And after endless stoppages in play, the Blue Sharks can exult!
Read also Find the table for the final phase
Cape Verde will meet Morocco or South Africa in the quarter-finals, which will be decided on Tuesday.
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