Cape Verde have started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with two straight defeats, putting their tournament hopes in jeopardy. The team lost 3-1 to Mali and 2-1 to Rwanda, with errors from goalkeeper Vozinha proving costly.
In the first match, Mali took control with a goal from Dorgeles Nene. Cape Verde fought back, but the 40-year-old goalkeeper made an error that led to Mali's third goal. Four days later in Praia, the team started brightly. Gilson Benchimol scored inside five minutes, but Claude Niyomugabo equalised before half-time. In the second half, Vozinha failed to come for a cross, allowing Elie Iradukunda to head in Rwanda's winner.
With zero points from two games, Cape Verde sit third in their group. Rwanda and Mali lead with six points each. Only the top two teams qualify for AFCON, leaving four matches to turn things around. The next challenge is a double-header against Liberia in November, starting at home on the 11th.
The goalkeeper, who was a standout performer in Cape Verde's historic 2026 World Cup run, spoke about the burden of fame. "I've lost my peace and tranquility. I no longer have any privacy." he told the Observer. Vozinha, now the starter for Colo-Colo, added, "I think there's nothing I can do about it."
New head coach Humberto Bettencourt, who replaced Bubista, has an urgent task to rebuild the team. The team travels to Liberia on November 15th for the second leg of the key double-header.
