Cape Verde’s are nearly masters of their own downfall when Neves heads the ball out from under his own goalkeeper and he is fortunate that Fernando Varela is alert to clear Manucho’s header off the line.
Gilberto whips a dangerous freekick into the Cape Verde penalty area which is glanced narrowly wide by the head of Manucho. The former-Manchester United man is proving a handful in the opening exchanges.
Angola’s are looking to get the ball up to Manucho as quickly as possible but Fernando Neves is tight to the striker. Angola need to get their wide players more involved.
Finally a sustained period of pressure from Cape Verde. First, Carlitos is sent clear down the left wing but he fails to pick out a blue and red shirt in the box before Tavares heads Mendes’ corner just over the crossbar.
Angola’s are looking the more comfortable in possession but they just cannot find a way to penetrate this stubborn Cape Verde defence. Good pressing and organisation from the Blue Sharks.
ANGOLA LEAD!! Djalma spots the run of Amaro down the left wing and the left-back drills in a teasing low cross towards Mateus which is deflected into his own net by Fernando Neves. So unlucky for the Cape Verde captain! Can the Blue Sharks respond?
Good spell of pressure from Cape Verde who are looking to find an equaliser early in the second half.
GOOD SAVE FROM LAMA! Heldon bends the freekick over the wall but Lama gets across his goal well to make a sprawling save.
WHAT A CHANCE FOR CAPE VERDE! Djaniny controls Ryan Mendes’ cross in front of goal but the substitute dallies in possession and Lama is off his line quickly to smother the ball. He should have got his shot away there.
The factis: If Cape Verde equalise in Port Elizabeth. We will have a situation where Morocco and Cape Verde have same points, same goal difference and goals scored. It will then be decided on fair play results. Morocco’s three bookings in this game will now look rather silly!
CAPE VERDE SCORE!! Heldon is the hero for Cape Verde. A cross from the right is fumbled inexplicably by Lama into the path of the Maritimo striker who thrashes the ball in with his left foot from close range. The Cape Verde bench runs onto the pitch. Unbelievable scenes!!
Football never ceases to amaze! With ten minutes to go Cape Verde were on the verge of being eliminated but two late goals has ensured their progress to the quarter-finals in their first ever appearance in the competition. What an achievement for Lucio Antunes and the Blue Sharks.
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