Cape Verde became the first team to reach the Round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after their 3-0 victory against Mozambique at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Friday.

Having won their Group B opener 2-1 against Ghana, the Blue Sharks ensured they qualified with a game to spare after they dispatched the Mambas with goals in either half to make it two wins out of two and stay top with maximum six points.

Egypt, who drew their opener 2-2 against the Mambas and then recovered twice to draw 2-2 against the Black Stars are second heading into the final group matches with two points, Ghana are third on one point and Mozambique last without a point.

Cape Verde took the lead in the 30th minute from a free-kick which was awarded after a foul by Jamiro Monteiro on Geny Catamo. An in-swinging cross from the resultant foul found the unmarked Bebe, who scored via his right-footed effort.

Ryan Mendes doubled their lead in the 51st minute after his right-footed shot from outside the box found the back of the net before Kevin Pina wrapped up the emphatic victory with a fantastic finish in the 69th minute after a wonderful assist from Deroy Duarte.

Overall, Cape Verde started the brightest side and should have taken the lead in the 15th minute but Deroy Duarte’s shot went wide of the goal.

Five minutes later, Cape Verde survived a scare when defender Logan Costa was called upon to clear a dangerous ball after a corner-kick. Cape Verde will next face Egypt in their final group fixture on Monday while Ghana will come up against Mozambique.

Cape Verde XI: Vozinha, Joao Paulo Fernandes, Pico, Logan Costa, Steven Moreira, Jamiro Monteiro, Kevin Pina, Deroy Duarte, Jovane Cabral, Bebe, Mendes da Graca.

Mozambique XI: Ernan Alberto Siluane, Reinildo Mandava, Gabriel Edmilson Dove, Mexer, Domingos Macandza, Witiness Quembo, Alfons Amade, Ricardo Guimaraes, Gildo Vilanculos, Domingues, Stanley Ratifo.