Cape Verde host Rwanda on Tuesday in a key 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Blue Sharks urgently need points after a 3-1 defeat in their opening group match left them bottom of the table with zero.
The standings are stark: Rwanda leads the section with three points from a 3-1 win. Cape Verde's record reads one loss, one goal for and three against. A home victory is essential to turn their fortunes around. Bubista's likely lineup will feature experienced figures like Vózinha, Ryan Mendes and Jamiro Monteiro, who started the last competitive outing.
The two nations have met twice before, with both matches ending in draws. Cape Verde failed to score in either of those games, a record they will be desperate to break at the Estádio Nacional. The Blue Sharks' last win was a friendly against Bermuda in June, but their most recent competitive result was a 3-2 defeat to Argentina on 3 July.
The side arrives at this fixture on a run of five matches without a win, comprising three draws and one loss. The next steps on the World Cup path are also available in our fixtures.
The match against Rwanda is scheduled for 16:00 UTC on Tuesday, 29 September, and represents a must-win opportunity for Cape Verde to get back on track in the AFCON race.
Goalkeeper Vózinha took responsibility for Mali's third goal in the 3-1 defeat. The Colo-Colo player lost the ball outside the area with a chest control, allowing Dorgeles Nene's second goal. Manager Bubista said: "We have to be more solid defensively."
