One team that has impressed since their debut in the African Cup of Nations in 2013, Cape Verde is coming to the African Football big stage for the fourth time and Nigeriasoccernet.com takes a peep into this unique team.
With a quarter final finish in its first participation, narrow miss in the group in its second outing and a round of 16 achievement in the last edition despite being pitched against "stronger teams", the Cape Verdean team have something special about them and it just a matter of time before its attain a great height.
Of course qualifying out of a group that has 7-time champions, Egypt and 4-time champions, Ghana will be a great feat, but going beyond that looks like a feat that is possible as many bookies see this team as tittle contenders.
The Sharks ready to hunt
The question is, who are the schools in this Blue Sharks team to do the magic?
Bebé Tiago Correia, 33 is a former Manchester United player who plays for Rayo Vallecano. His experience will be needed after his time in England and Spain.
Salermitana’s Jovanne Cabral is another player to watch out for.
Coach
Pedro ‘Bubista’ Leitão, 53 was appointed in 2020 and has only managed clubs in Cape Verde. Hopefully, his attacking style will take the small Island to the needed height.
Goalkeepers Josimar Dias ‘Vozinha’ – (AS Trencin – Slovakia), Marcio da Rosa – (Anadia FC -Portugal), Dylan Silva (Sintrense – Portugal), and Bruno Varela (Guimarães – Portugal).
Defenders: Roberto Lopes ‘Pico' (Shamrock Rovers – Ireland), Diney Borges (Al Bataeh – UAE), Dylan Costa (Toulouse – France), João Correia (Desp. Chaves -Portugal), Steven Moreira (Columbus -USA), Delmiro Nascimento (AEZ Zakakiou – Cyprus).
Midfielders Jamiro Monteiro (Dj Earthquakes- USA), Kenny Rocha (AEZ Zakakiou- Belgique) Deroy Duarte (Fortuna Sittard – Pays-Bas), Carlos Fernandes ‘Cuca' – (União de Leiria – Portugal), Leandro Andrade – (Qarabag – Azerbaïdjan), Patrick Andrade (Qarabag – Azerbaïdjan) and João Paulo Fernandes (Sheriff – Moldavie).
Attackers Ryan Mendes (Karagumruk – Turquie), Garry Rodrigues (Ankaragucu – Turquie), Willy Semedo (Omonia – Chypre), Tiago Correia ‘Bebé' (Rayo Vallecano – Espagne), Bryan Teixeira (Sturm Graz – Autriche) and Hélio Varela ( Portimonense – Portugal)
Uche Dozie