Cape Verde’s national football team, known as the Blue Sharks, is making waves at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) as they gear up to face South Africa in the quarterfinals. Despite never reaching the semifinals before, the small island nation with a population of about 600,000 is determined to prove themselves against the more established teams.
In their first Afcon appearance in 2013, Cape Verde’s performance was notable as they reached the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Ghana. Fast forward to the 2024 edition, and Cape Verde is once again defying the odds. Remarkably, they topped their group, defeating Ghana 2-1 and drawing 2-2 with Egypt, along with a resounding 3-0 victory over Mozambique.
Facing the powerhouse teams of Egypt and Ghana, Cape Verde has embraced the underdog role and showcased their resilience and skill. As they enter the quarterfinal clash with South Africa, the Blue Sharks are carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation as they continue their historic journey in the tournament.
With the quarterfinal match looming, the world eagerly anticipates whether Cape Verde can further solidify their status as giant-killers. Regardless of the outcome, their remarkable run has already captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.