In a dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group C qualifier, Cape Verde and Egypt battled to a 1-1 draw at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Friday night. While Egypt’s unbeaten streak in qualifiers continued, the Blue Sharks’ dreams of advancing to the finals were crushed despite their spirited performance.
Egypt’s Early Domination
The Pharaohs, led by coach Hossam Hassan, arrived in Cape Verde with an impressive record, having won all their previous Group C matches. Their dominance was evident from the start, controlling possession and testing Cape Verde’s defense early.
Taher Mohamed opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a sensational left-footed strike from a tight angle, assisted by Mohamed Hamdy’s well-timed pass. The goal showcased Egypt’s attacking prowess and their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses.
Notably absent from the Egyptian lineup was Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who opted out of the qualifiers at his own request. Despite this, Egypt’s revamped squad demonstrated depth and adaptability, with debutants like Mahmoud Rabia stepping up.
Cape Verde’s Resilience and Mendes’ Heroics
After the break, the Blue Sharks regrouped and came out with renewed determination. Their efforts bore fruit in the 63rd minute when Ryan Mendes, Cape Verde’s all-time top scorer, converted a penalty following a foul by Mohamed Saber. The goal electrified the home crowd and shifted momentum in favor of Cape Verde.
Coach Bubista’s tactical changes, including the late introduction of former Manchester United forward Bebé, hinted at Cape Verde’s intent to clinch a late winner. However, Egypt’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy making crucial saves.
Game-Changing Moments
- Missed Opportunities: Cape Verde had several chances, including a powerful long-range effort by Varela in the 78th minute, but accuracy let them down.
- Key Substitutions: Egypt brought on fresh legs, including Mostafa Mohamed and Ahmed Ramadan, to stabilize their midfield in the final minutes.
- Time-Wasting Tactics: El Shenawy’s yellow card for time-wasting in stoppage time underscored Egypt’s pragmatic approach to preserving the draw.
Implications for Group C
The result left Cape Verde third in Group C, trailing Botswana due to an inferior head-to-head record. With just one match remaining against Mauritania, their qualification hopes were officially extinguished.
Egypt, already assured of a spot in Morocco 2025, will face Botswana in their final group fixture. The Pharaohs now aim to build momentum for the tournament and end their 14-year AFCON title drought.
Looking Ahead
For Cape Verde, this campaign highlighted both promise and areas for growth. Despite falling short, their spirited performances, particularly against African heavyweights like Egypt, earned admiration.
Meanwhile, Egypt’s consistency in AFCON qualifiers—winning 16 of their last 20 matches—reaffirms their position as serious contenders for the title. The team’s depth, even in the absence of stars like Salah, will be key as they look to reclaim their continental crown.
Final Scoreline and Key Stats
- Cape Verde 1-1 Egypt
- Goals: Mendes (63′ PEN) | Taher Mohamed (31′)
- Yellow Cards: Ryan Mendes, Patrick Andrade (Cape Verde); Hamdy Fathy, Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
- Possession: Egypt 61%, Cape Verde 39%
The thrilling draw was a testament to the unpredictable nature of African football, where underdogs like Cape Verde can challenge giants like Egypt. With the stage set for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, fans can expect more excitement and drama in the months to come.