Cape Verde officially qualified for the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating Mauritania 1-0 in a thrilling encounter on Monday. 

The match was marked by a lack of clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities before it was suddenly transformed by Mendes’ clinical finish in the 88th minute. The precision of the shot to the middle left the Mauritanian goalkeeper with little chance to make a save.

While the score remained level for most of the game, Cape Verde maintained a decided advantage, hoarding nearly 70% of possession.

Cape Verde came close to breaking the tie on several occasions during the match. In the 70th minute, they capitalized on a corner kick that the Mauritanian defense failed to clear. 

The 60th minute equally saw Anne’s shot veering off to one side of the goal, prompting a response from Mauritania. However, both teams struggled to convert opportunities into goals.

Mauritania’s most dangerous moment occurred in the 57th minute, with a free-kick sailing wide near the goal. Despite the proximity, the shot lacked the precision to pose a real threat to Cape Verde’s goalkeeper.