Super Eagles Group C opponents in the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifier, Cape Verde and Central African Republic kicked started their campaign in a 1-1 stalemate.

Both teams game was the first match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 .

The Central Africans, who were hosting the game in Douala due to the non-approval of the Bangui Stadium, found a tough encounter in their Group C opener, facing a well-organized team, especially in the middle of the pack.

Cape Verde played in an organized and dangerous manner and were rewarded after 36 minutes when Julio Tavares broke the deadlock with a neat finish off a Rocha Santos pass.

This was the fourth goal for Tavares in a Blue Shark jersey.

The islanders were rewarded for a more positive start as they dominated play and looked the most dangerous all through the opening minutes.

Tavares came close on two occasions, but wasn’t lucky enough to add his second of the afternoon.

In the second half however, the CAR was more adventurous and they got back on level terms just seven minutes after the restart when Tresor Toropite found the back of the net with a close range finish.

The 27-year old forward boxed himself in a forest of defenders before notching in the equalizer, to take his side back into the game.

The CAR side pushed hard in the remaining minutes to try and nick a victory off the face of defeat, but weren’t lucky enough to get a second goal and seal the game.

The Central Africa Republic will be away to Liberia in the second round of matches on Monday while Cape Verde host Nigeria on Tuesday.