AFCON: Cape Verde Secures Passage To The Last 16 Ahead Of Egypt and Ghana

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JOHANNESBURG: They began their tournament by causing a 2-1 upset against the Black Stars.

Cape Verde has trashed the Mambas of Mozambique 3-0 to book a place in the 2023 TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) last 16 with a match to spare.

The Blue Sharks dismantled Mozambique in their second Group B encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan on Friday, 19 January. Therefore, they are guaranteed to win the group regardless of what will happen in their final match against the Pharaohs, Egypt to be precise.

Nobody had expected that the 73rd ranked nation would top the group, which has the record seven-time champions and the four-time champions, Egypt and Ghana respectively.

Proving to be a surprise package of the tournament thus far, the Blue Sharks have proven that the so-called minnows are not push overs. They began their tournament by causing a 2-1 upset against the Black Stars, followed by 3-0 win over the southern African nation.

It is truly a remarkable ride for football lovers in the small island nation, as their team has qualified for four AFCONs and reached knockouts on three occasions.

The surprising results of Group B have put more pressure on the Egyptians and Ghanaians, both of whom were regarded as the tournament and group favourites.

In their titanic clash, the two giants played to a thrilling 2-2 draw. As things stand, Egypt are second on the group with two points from two matches and Ghana are third with one point after two matches.

One of the giants stand a chance to make it to the last 16 as the second spot is still there to play for. The other giant can still make it as the third-best finisher.