Cape Verde and South Africa aim for significant victories in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro on Saturday.
The Blue Sharks have never made it past this round, while South Africa aims for its first semi-final appearance since 2000.
Match preview
Cape Verde has scored eight goals so far, only behind Angola’s nine, as they head into the quarter-finals. They narrowly beat Mauritania in the last round with a late goal.
Ryan Mendes scored from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, following a foul by Babacar Niasse, which helped them beat Mauritania in their first knockout match.
With Egypt out, Cape Verde is the only team from Group B left in the tournament. They hope to advance further than ever before.
Their best was reaching the quarter-finals in 2013 and the round of 16 in 2021. This year, facing South Africa might offer a better chance than previous opponents.
Cape Verde remains unbeaten in AFCON 2023 and is motivated to continue this streak.
South Africa, however, also comes off a big win, beating favorites Morocco 2-0. Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored, securing their victory.
Hugo Broos’s team survived a late penalty scare when Achraf Hakimi missed, showing that luck can play a part in advancing.
Despite less recent success at this stage, South Africa’s experience in quarter-finals is notable. They haven’t made the semi-finals since 2000, despite several attempts.
A potential semi-final against Nigeria or Angola awaits, adding to their motivation.
Team News
Mendes stands out for Cape Verde, having scored more than once in the tournament. Bebe’s return after a minor injury means Cape Verde might keep the same lineup that won the last game.
South Africa is likely to keep their defense unchanged after three clean sheets. Ronwen Williams will remain as the goalkeeper.
Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, and Makgopa have shown they can change the game, boosting South Africa’s confidence.
Cape Verde possible starting lineup:
Vozinha;
Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Paulo;
Monteiro, Pina, Duarte;
Mendes, Bebe, Cabral
South Africa possible starting lineup:
Williams;
Mudau, Kekana, Mvala, Modiba;
Mokoena, Sithole;
Morena, Zwane, Tau;
Makgopa
Prediction: Cape Verde 2-1 South Africa
Cape Verde has never lost to South Africa in their past encounters. This trend may continue, with Cape Verde potentially securing another win over South Africa.
