Cape Verde-Mauritania : Tough Battle Ahead

Cape Verde will play against Mauritania in the round of 16 at the Félix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in Abidjan today January 29, 2024. Today’s encounter promises to be tough as each side will be seeking to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.  Both teams are good but only one will move on to the quarterfinals. The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde finished on top of Group B with seven points while Mauritania had a historic qualification to the knockout stage. 
Even though it wouldn’t be the first time Cape Verde have made it to the last eight, as they did so in their maiden AFCON 11 years ago, the Blue Sharks have undoubtedly defied expectations to get this far considering their performance in the group stage. Cape Verde topped a Group B that also contained record champions Egypt, Ghana and Mozambique. They didn’t lose once, rescuing a 2-2 draw in the ninth minute of stoppage time against the Pharaohs on the third playing day after beating the Black Stars  of Ghana 2-1, also courtesy of a dramatic late goal and the Mambas of Mozambique 3-0. 
Mauritania’s day t...