Humberto Bettencourt unveiled his first squad as Cape Verde head coach on Friday, with midfielders Ayoni Santos and José Tavares 'Dje' the notable inclusions for the start of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The Cabo-verdian Football Federation released the 23-man list for the matches away to Mali on 25 September and at home to Rwanda on 29 September.
The team, currently sitting 2nd in their World Cup group with 3 points, begins a new competitive cycle after their World Cup participation. Bettencourt explained his selections at a press conference in Praia. "The call-ups of Ayoni Santos and Djê Tavares result from a technical decision based on the players' characteristics and complementarity," the coach said.
The goalkeeper list comprises Carlos dos Santos, Márcio da Rosa and Josimar Dias 'Vozinha'. In defence, Bettencourt has called upon Logan Costa, Kelvin Pires, Edilson Borges 'Diney', Roberto Lopes 'Pico', Sidny Lopes Cabral, Wagner Pina, Steven Moreira and João Paulo Fernandes. In midfield, alongside the new faces, are Deroy Duarte, Kevin Pina, Telmo Arcanjo, Jamiro Monteiro and Laros Duarte. The forward line includes Dailon Livramento, Willy Semedo, Jovane Cabral, Ryan Mendes, Gilson Benchimol, Garry Rodrigues, Hélio Varela and Nuno da Costa.
Cape Verde are in Group K of the AFCON 2027 qualification phase, alongside Mali, Rwanda and Liberia. Only the top two teams in each group secure direct qualification for the tournament, making the September double-header key for the campaign's start. The team approaches these matches with a recent record of one win, three draws and one defeat in their last five outings, including World Cup fixtures.
Bettencourt made clear the door remains open for other players. "The choice of those called up does not mean the footballers left out of the list have stopped being monitored by the technical team," he stated. The work of tracking players at their clubs continues, with the technical staff regularly analysing our stats and individual performance.
The first challenge is away in Mali, before returning to Praia to host Rwanda. Fans can follow the full national team schedule on our fixtures page. The objective is clear: start on the right foot on the path to qualifying for another major continental tournament, capitalising on the positive momentum of a team still holding a top position in their World Cup group stage.
Background and full detail: Balai Cabo Verde
