Cape Verde lose 3-1 to Mali in AFCON qualifying opener

Cape Verde's 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign began with a 3-1 defeat away to Mali on Thursday. A costly error from goalkeeper Vozinha for Mali's second goal proved decisive in a disappointing start for Humberto Bettencourt's side in the group stage.

How the match unfolded

Mali took an early lead through Ange Martial Tia in the 5th minute, but Cape Verde responded quickly. Sidny Lopes Cabral, playing at left-back, equalised just 10 minutes in, offering hope to the visitors. The parity was short-lived. In the 39th minute, Nene Dorgeles, set up by Amadou Haidara, put Mali back in front. The defining moment came early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Vozinha's poor clearance fell to Dorgeles, who completed his brace after an assist from Kamory Doumbia to make it 3-1.

The Islanders created few chances, managing only four shots over the 90 minutes, with just two on target. In contrast, Mali had 16 attempts, seven of which forced Vozinha into action. Possession was evenly split (55% to Mali), but offensive efficiency and an individual mistake were costly. Bettencourt tried to change the game with a triple substitution in the 67th minute, introducing Telmo Arcanjo, Jovane Cabral and Nuno Da Costa, but to no avail. The team committed 16 fouls, leading to yellow cards for Roberto Lopes and Kevin Pina.

This defeat marks a setback in Cape Verde's recent form, as they had previously secured a 2-1 victory over Angola in their last outing. Focus now turns to recovery and the next challenge, at home to Rwanda on Sunday. The response in the next match is vital to keep their AFCON qualification ambitions on track.