Rankings:
Caf: 14
Fifa: 63
The team that will face South Africa in the opening match of the tournament on 19 January is regarded as the weakest team in the tournament because of their rookies’ status. However, looking at their road to qualification, demolishing powerhouse names like Cameroon, Cape Verde cannot be taken lightly, despite featuring the in tournament for the first time.
Little-known to many, The Blues, as they are affectionately known have in their team some influential players like Ryan Mendes and Zé Luis who can be a handful to any opposition’s defence on any given day.
Full squad: Cape Verde Goalkeepers: Vozinha (Progresso), Fredson Fock (Batuque), Rili (Mindelense). Defenders: Josimar lima (FC Dordrecht), Guy Ramos (RKC Waalwijk), Pecks (Gil Vicente), Gegê (Marítimo), Nivaldo (Académica), Carlitos (AEL Limassol), Nando (Châteauroux), Fernando Varela (Vaslui). Midfielders: Tony Varela (Sparta Rotterdam), David Silva (Olhanense), Sténio (Feirense), Babanco (Olhanense), Marco Soares (Omonia Nicosie), Rony (FC Fola), Platini (Santa Clara). Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Lille), Rambé (Belenenses), Nhuck Heldon (Maritimo), Juúlio Tavares (Dijon), Djaniny (Olhanense).
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