Cape Verde are on the cusp of history after defeating Cameroon 1-0 in Praia on Tuesday, moving within touching distance of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Dalion Livramento’s brilliant solo strike sealed a famous victory against the five-time African champions and left the Atlantic island nation, with a population of under 600,000, needing just one more win from their remaining two fixtures to secure a ticket to the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
A Famous Night in Praia
Cape Verde entered the clash one point ahead of Cameroon at the top of Group D. Against expectations, they extended that lead to four points with a performance full of discipline, belief, and resilience.
Livramento’s decisive moment came in the 54th minute. The midfielder muscled Carlos Baleba off the ball in his own half before surging through Cameroon’s defensive line. Bearing down on goal, he showed composure beyond his years, calmly slotting past Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Cameroon, packed with stars from Europe’s top leagues, failed to mount a serious response. Bryan Mbeumo saw a penalty appeal turned down, while Vozinha, Cape Verde’s dependable goalkeeper, pulled off a late save to deny Flavien Boyomo.
At the final whistle, jubilant scenes unfolded as thousands of fans stormed the pitch, waving national flags and lighting flares. For a nation that has grown accustomed to punching above its weight in African football, this result felt like the dawn of something greater.
History Beckons
Cape Verde have become a regular participant at the Africa Cup of Nations in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals in 2013 and 2023. But a World Cup appearance would elevate their profile on a global scale.
With matches against Libya and Eswatini still to play, the Blue Sharks know that three more points will guarantee their place among football’s elite. Given their form and confidence, few would now bet against them.
Senegal Stage Stunning Comeback
Elsewhere in African qualifying, reigning African champions Senegal produced a dramatic comeback in Kinshasa to beat DR Congo 3-2.
The Leopards, who led the group before kick-off, raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa. But the Teranga Lions clawed their way back. Pape Gueye pulled one back before the break, Nicolas Jackson levelled after the restart, and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr sealed victory with three minutes remaining.
The result puts Senegal top of Group B by two points, with DR Congo left to rue a squandered opportunity in front of a packed home crowd.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Contenders
Ivory Coast held onto top spot in Group F with a goalless draw in Gabon, though they had to survive a late scare when Shavy Babicka struck the post. Egypt, meanwhile, missed the chance to seal qualification early, drawing 0-0 away to Burkina Faso.
With Morocco and Tunisia already confirmed for the 2026 tournament, the race for the remaining African slots remains tense. Only group winners qualify automatically, with the best four runners-up set for a play-off and a final intercontinental showdown.
Nigeria Falters Again
For Nigeria, the road to the finals grew even more complicated. The Super Eagles, needing victory away in South Africa, could only manage a 1-1 draw.
An own goal from William Troost-Ekong put Bafana Bafana in front before Calvin Bassey levelled just before half-time. Despite spells of pressure in the second half, Nigeria lacked precision in attack.
South Africa, buoyed by the result, remain on track to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Nigeria, six points adrift, may need to rely on an ongoing FIFA investigation into South Africa’s alleged fielding of an ineligible player to revive their faint hopes.
Conclusion
Matchday eight of African qualifying delivered drama, shocks, and history in the making. For Cape Verde, the dream is now within reach. With just one more win, the Blue Sharks will complete one of football’s most remarkable underdog stories, booking their place on the sport’s biggest stage for the very first time.
