29th January, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
A late penalty sent Cape Verde to the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire at the expense of Mauritania.
Ryan Mendes converted an 88th minute penalty to see Cape Verde through. He put the ball into the middle of the goal past the outstretched arm of Babacar Niasse.
Earlier in the match, Mendes received a pass on the edge of the box and shot, but the ball went inches wide of the right post.
In the 47th minute, Jovane found himself in space on the edge of the box and smashed a glorious looking effort towards the left side of the goal, but Babacar Niasse thwarted him with a great two-handed save.
In the 59th minute, Souleymane Anne received a precise pass and hammered the ball at goal from close range. Unfortunately for him, his aim was a bit off and it flew just over the bar.