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- Cape Verde, an island nation in West Africa, is close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recording a 1-0 win over Cameroon on Tuesday
- Italy-based Dailon Livramento scored the only goal of the match against the Indomitable Lions, which saw Cape Verde go four points clear on top of Group D
Cape Verde, an island nation in West Africa, is close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after recording a 1-0 win over Cameroon on Tuesday. The Blue Sharks need just one win from their remaining two World Cup qualifying fixtures to earn their spot in the group stages of next year’s World Cup.
Italy-based Dailon Livramento scored the only goal of the match against the Indomitable Lions, which saw Cape Verde go four points clear on top of Group D. The 24-year-old outmuscled Carlos Baleba off the ball in his own half before racing through the heart of Cameroon’s defence and then beating Andre Onana from 14 yards. It was his second goal of the World Cup qualifiers, having netted a brace against Angola in March earlier this year.
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Cameroon, who last played at the World Cup in 2014, struggled to find a way back into the match but all their efforts proved to be futile. Bryan Mbeumo had a penalty claim turned down and home goalkeeper Vozinha did well to stop Flavien Boyomo’s brilliant volley in stoppage time from going in.
Cape Verde beat Cameroon 1-0 on Tuesday to increase their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, USA and Mexico. The Blue Sharks, who will face Libya in their next qualifier match, need just one win to book their spot in next year’s World Cup. Photo/ BBC.
The home fans invaded the pitch at full-time as the win drew them closer to next year’s FIFA World Cup which will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It will be their maiden World Cup competition and the fans celebrated in style by lighting flares and celebrating shoulder to shoulder with the players and team officials.
Cape Verde has a population of just over 500,000 and qualifying for next year’s World Cup will make them the second smallest nation by population Iceland in 2018 – to qualify for the prestigious tournament. With the momentum on their side following the win against Cameroon, the Blue Sharks will head to Libya in October hoping to seal their top place in Group D. If they lose to Libya, they will still have another chance to secure their spot in next year’s World Cup when they host Eswatini.
Cameroon were the favorites to top the Group D but are likely to miss that opportunity as thing stand. The Indomitable Lions, who have played in eight World Cup tournaments, will visit Mauritius and then host Angola in the last two fixtures of qualifiers.
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Kenya Thrash Seychelles 5-0
Elsewhere, Kenya hammered Seychelles 5-0 in their Group F World Cup qualifiers fixture. Harambee Stars, who suffered a devastating 3-1 loss at the hands of Gambia a few days ago, came out all guns blazing against Seychelles on Tuesday.
Ryan Ogam, who impressed with his performance at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 where Kenya reache the quarterfinals, opened the scoring last evening in the seventh minute to spark scenes of celebrations at Kasarani Stadium.
Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam scored two goals each as Harambee Stars beat Seychelles 5-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Photo/ CECAFA FOOTBALL.
Collins Sichenje, who plays in the Serbian SuperLiga for Vojvodina, doubled the lead in the 35th minute to put Kenya firmly in control of the tie. Ogam netted his second of the evening three minutes later before captain Michael Olunga made it 4-0 from the penalty spot in first half’s stoppage time. Olunga then nodded home in the second half to complete the thrashing.
