Cape Verde-Mauritania : Blue Sharks Into Quarterfinals

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde have qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Côte d’Ivoire. The team defeated Mauritania 1-0 in its round of 16 game played yesterday January 29, 2024 at the Félix Houphouët Boigny stadium to progress.
Cape Verde came into the encounter as one of the most impressive teams of the group phase, topping their group ahead of Egypt and Ghana. On the other hand, Mauritania squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams after beating Algeria in their final group-stage match.
Going by the above facts, the Blue Sharks were favourites on paper but met stiff resistance from the Mauritanians. Cape Verde had a sterile domination in the first half as the Mauritanians blocked all the spaces, preventing them from developing their play. The Mauritanians rather showed good signs and even threatened to take the lead. But none of the teams could score any goal to end the first half on a 0-0 tie.
On coming back from the lockers, play continued with similar intensity. They all showed eagerness to be among the prestigious eight teams that will play the quarterfinals. But as play progressed, the Mauritanians looked as though they had opened up the spaces, giving lee way for their opponents to strike. Cape Verde took the opportunity to mount more pre...