Cape Verde confirmed their participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast after registering a resounding 3-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Sunday.
With only seven minutes played, Bebe put Cape Verde ahead in the Group B contest but defender Issoufou Dayo, who plays for RS Berkane, levelled matters for Burkinabe at the stroke of half-time. However, in the second half, Cape Verde looked more dangerous and scored through Joao Paulo Fernandes in the 67th minute and substitute Euclides Tavares Andrade in the added minutes.
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Comfortable on home turf, the Islanders seized control of the game, leaving their Burkinabe opponents devoid of offensive tactics. In the dying moments of the game, Andrade delivered the final blow, netting the third goal past the stranded goalkeeper Kilian Nikiema.
With this remarkable victory, Cape Verde secured their place in the Ivory Coast tournament, marking a significant achievement for the Blue Sharks. Despite the defeat, Burkinabe remained top with 10 points, while Cape Verde moved level with 10 points, Togo are fourth with five points while Eswatini are lying last with two points.
Cape Verde will travel to face Togo in their final group fixture on September 4.