The Cabo Verde national football team, known as Tubarões Azuis, suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Mali in their first match of the CAN 2027 qualifiers. The game took place in Bamako on September 26, 2026. Sidny Lopes Cabral scored the only goal for Cabo Verde in the 10th minute. The starting lineup for Tubarões Azuis included Vozinha, Wagner Pina, Diney, Pico, Kevin Pina, Gilson Benchimol, Jamiro Monteiro, Garry Rodrigues, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Deroy Duarte, and Ryan Mendes.
The match saw two yellow cards issued to Roberto Lopes and Kevin Pina in the 47th and 58th minutes, respectively. In the second half, Gilson Benchimol, Jamiro Monteiro, and Garry Rodrigues were substituted out in the 67th minute. Deroy Duarte left the field in the 84th minute, and captain Ryan Mendes was replaced in the 86th minute. This loss puts Cabo Verde at the bottom of Group K with zero points, while Mali and Rwanda take the top spots after their respective wins.
The next match for Tubarões Azuis is against Rwanda on September 29, 2026, at the Estádio Nacional Tubarões Azuis in Praia. This will be a crucial game for Cabo Verde as they look to bounce back from their first loss. In the other Group K match, Liberia will face Mali. The CAN 2027 qualifiers feature 48 national teams divided into 12 groups.
The groups for the CAN 2027 qualifiers are as follows: Group A - Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho; Group B - Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan; Group C - Ivory Coast, Ghana, Gambia, Somalia; Group D - South Africa, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Eritrea; Group F - Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic; Group G - Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo; Group H - Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana; Group I - Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi; Group J - Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia; Group K - Mali, Cabo Verde, Rwanda, Liberia; Group L - Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau.
The CAN 2027 tournament is expected to feature 24 national teams, with the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advancing to the finals. The qualifiers are a significant milestone for African football, with many teams vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament.
Cabo Verde's football team, Tubarões Azuis, has a challenging road ahead as they seek to qualify for the CAN 2027. Their performance against Rwanda in the upcoming match will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the next stage. Fans and supporters will be eagerly awaiting the team's performance in the qualifiers.
The loss to Mali marks a setback for Cabo Verde, but the team remains determined to make a comeback in the qualifiers. With the support of their fans and a strong team spirit, Tubarões Azuis will look to overcome their challenges and secure a spot in the CAN 2027 tournament.
Key points
- Cabo Verde lost 3-1 to Mali in their first CAN 2027 qualifier.
- The next match for Tubarões Azuis is against Rwanda on September 29, 2026.
- The CAN 2027 qualifiers feature 48 national teams divided into 12 groups.
