Cape Verde have called up all 21 players who featured for over 30 minutes at the 2026 World Cup for the resumption of AFCON qualification. The squad, which includes heroes like Vozinha and Sidny Lopes Cabral, reunites this week for matches against Mali and Rwanda.
Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, remains a key figure after his high-profile move to Chilean side Colo Colo. The veteran keeper said he «has allowed one goal in two starts» for his new club. In defence, Pico Lopes continues to be a stalwart for League of Ireland leaders Shamrock Rovers. In attack, hopes are pinned on Sidny Lopes Cabral, scorer of the wondergoal against Argentina at the World Cup. Winger Jovane Cabral has quickly become a contributor for Brazil's Grêmio.
The team returns to action after their last meeting with Argentina, a 3-2 defeat on July 3rd. The next challenge is this Friday away to Mali, a side ranked higher in the FIFA standings. The return to the National Stadium will be on Monday, September 29th, to host Rwanda in the first home match since the global tournament.
These two matches are key for AFCON qualification. Only the top two teams from each four-team group will advance. The call-up of captain Ryan Mendes, despite an ongoing investigation, shows the importance of this phase. The team needs points to stays and capitalise on the momentum generated by their strong World Cup showing. The full squad list is available in our squad section.
The immediate focus is on the clash with Mali, which will air in the U.S. On beIN Sport. Cape Verde will hope the experience and cohesion shown on football's biggest stage translates into positive results in this new continental campaign.
Background and full detail: espn.com
