World Cup Bound: Cape Verde Beats Eswatini 3-0
Island nation of Cape Verde makes history with first-ever World Cup qualification. Cape Verde qualifies for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Eswatini 3-0. Read more about their historic achievement.
The Blue Sharks were on the cusp of history, knowing a win would secure one of Africa's nine World Cup berths...
Cape Verde made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Eswatini 3-0 at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde. This marks the country's first-ever appearance in the tournament.
Dailon Livramento opened the scoring in the 48th minute, followed by Willy Semedo's goal six minutes later. Stopira sealed the win with a stoppage-time strike after coming on as a substitute in the 86th minute. This victory secured Cape Verde's automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Cape Verde finished top of Group D with 23 points from 10 matches, winning seven, drawing two, and losing one. The team will join other nations in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The Blue Sharks were on the cusp of history, knowing a win would secure one of Africa's nine World Cup berths. With 15,000 fans cheering them on, Cape Verde, under coach Bubista, started strong, pressing high to create early scoring opportunities.
Cape Verde had a golden chance in the first five minutes when Semedo, who plays for Omonia in the Cypriot First Division, received a pass inside the box but fired wide. Despite this miss, they continued to pressure Eswatini's defense, winning a corner in the 10th minute after some impressive runs from the right flank. However, Jamiro Monteiro's delivery was subpar, and Nkosingiphile Shongwe cleared the ball for a throw-in.
The match between Cape Verde and Eswatini remained intense, with neither team giving an inch. Eswatini's defense held strong, keeping Cape Verde's potent strikers, led by Ryan Mendes, at bay.
A contentious moment arose in the 25th minute when Cape Verde players demanded a penalty after a foul in the box. However, Tanzanian referee Ahmed Arajiga, tasked with officiating the crucial World Cup qualifier, waved play on, sparking further debate among the players.
Eswatini's first significant opportunity came in the 30th minute when Mcolisi Manana received a precise cross from the right wing. However, he couldn't capitalize, hitting the ball over the bar.
Cape Verde created another scoring chance from their second corner, but Semedo's header sailed off target. As the first half drew to a close, Livramento's powerful shot into the top right corner tested Eswatini goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala. He made an impressive save, punching the ball away and quickly reacting to deny Semedo on the rebound.
Breakthrough for Cape Verde
Cape Verde broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, capitalizing on their momentum from the start of the second half. A precise cross from Semedo found Livramento unmarked in the box, and he skillfully controlled the ball before firing a powerful right-footed shot past Shabalala's outstretched hands, securing a well-deserved lead for the Blue Sharks.
Eswatini made their first substitution three minutes after Cape Verde's goal, with Philani Mkhonto coming on for Banele Ndzabandzaba.
Cape Verde sealed their victory when Willy Semedo doubled the lead in the 54th minute. A free kick into the box was cleared by Eswatini defenders, but Yannick Semedo picked up the rebound, controlled it, and delivered a precise cross to Semedo, who headed the ball home. Semedo celebrated his goal by removing his shirt, earning him a yellow card.
Cape Verde topped Group D with 23 points from 10 matches, winning seven, drawing two, and losing one. They finished four points ahead of Cameroon, who drew 0-0 against Angola in their final qualifier.
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