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Cape Verde hopes to surprise again

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The Blue Sharks, as Cape Verde are known, achieved a surprise qualification in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in South Africa. But they would not let their rookie status stick. They surprised many when they drew against South Africa in their first match, Morocco in their second and beat Angola in their final group stage match to qualify for the quarterfinal in just their first appearance in the tournament.

Given that history, they cannot be undermined again going into their second ever participation in the tournament. Their approach, which is characterised by physical play, but that is very well mixed with innovation and some good improvisation, can surprise most teams. They were ranked 63rd and 14th in the World and Africa respectively, when they visited South Africa two years ago. They are now ranked 40th and 7th, which means they are an even better side this time around.

Against Zambia, Tunisia and DR Congo, with whom the Blue Sharks have been drawn in Group B, Cape Verde has a good chance to progress to the quarterfinal stages and likely to face Equatorial Guinea or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals, a semifinal dream is a reasonable ambition.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kevin Sousa, Ivan Cruz, Josimar Dias

Defenders: Jeffrey Fortes, Carlos Daniel Garca, Nivaldo Santos, Fernando Varela, Carlos Tavares, Ianique Tavares, Admilson Barros

Midfielders: Nuno Monteiro Rocah, Carlos Lima, Elvis Macedo, Luis Carlos Soares, Tony Varela, Sérgio Semedo

Forwards: Jailton Alves Miranda, Júlio Tavares, Jorge Djaniny, Ryan Mendes, Garry Mendes, Héldon Ramos, Odair Fortes

– By Sipho Kekana

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