Cape Verde coach Pedro Brito was impressed by his team’s “incredible” qualification for the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Cape Verde achieved a sensational qualification after topping Group B, that included favourites Egypt and Ghana, with seven points.

“What my team has done is incredible. I am really very satisfied with my players. Taking first place in the presence of Ghana and Egypt. Finishing first in the group will boost us for the round of 16,” said Brito.

He added: “The players showed great mentality against great players from Africa. It’s up to us to continue this dynamic and continue our dream in this AFCON. We want to do better than in 2022 when we reached the last eighth. And why not repeat the feat of 2013 in South Africa, where we reached the quarters.

“We are ambitious. Our achievement during this group stage will give us the wings to fly even higher.”