The Cape Verde national team, also known as the Tubarões Azuis, will face Mali on Friday, September 25, at 18h local time in Bamako, marking the beginning of their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign. This match is part of the Group K qualifiers, which also includes Rwanda and Liberia. To advance to the final phase of the tournament, Cape Verde must finish among the top two teams in the group. The team has not played since their historic campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match against Mali holds significant importance for Cape Verde, as they have faced their opponents 12 times in the past. The historical record favors Mali, with six wins, four losses, and two draws. In these encounters, Mali has scored 15 goals, while Cape Verde has scored seven. The Tubarões Azuis will be looking to change this narrative under the guidance of their new coach, Humberto Bettencourt, who was promoted from his role as assistant coach.
Humberto Bettencourt's appointment as the new national team coach marks a new era for Cape Verde football. Bettencourt has been part of the team's coaching staff since 2021 and played a crucial role in their historic World Cup campaign. He has called up 26 players for the upcoming matches, including newcomers Ayoni Santos and Djê Tavares. Ayoni Santos, a 21-year-old midfielder, has been impressive in his club career, earning a move to PSV Eindhoven.
Djê Tavares, a 23-year-old midfielder, has also been called up to the national team. Tavares plays for Santa Clara in Portugal and has been making a name for himself with his performances. The team's coaching staff has been renewed, with António "Toca" Leite as Bettencourt's assistant, Felipe Neto as another assistant, Bruno Reis as analyst, and Adynilson Fonseca as fitness coach.
Bettencourt has described Group K as "balanced and very demanding," acknowledging the quality of their opponents. He expects tough matches, particularly away from home, and has highlighted the challenges posed by the climate. The coach is aware of Mali's strengths, having consistently participated in CAN finals and boasting top-class players.
Despite the challenges, Bettencourt is optimistic about Cape Verde's chances. He believes that the team's experience and growth can be an advantage, particularly given their shorter travel distances compared to their opponents. The coach's goal is to continue building on the team's progress, stating that his mission is to "continue to make the Tubarões Azuis grow."
The CAN 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Cape Verde's next match is against Rwanda on September 29 at the Estádio Nacional Tubarões Azuis. The team's 26-man squad for the matches includes goalkeepers Vozinha, Márcio da Rosa, and CJ dos Santos, as well as defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
Key points
- Cape Verde begins its CAN 2027 qualifying campaign against Mali on Friday, September 25, in Bamako.
- The team is led by new coach Humberto Bettencourt, who has called up 26 players for the upcoming matches.
- The CAN 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
