AFCON 2023: Cape Verde through to quarter-finals with die-minute penalty against Mauritania

Cape Verde are through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after beating Mauritania on Monday night.

The Blue Sharks secured the win with a lone goal, courtesy of Ryan Mendes penalty.

The game was a one sided affair, with the Cape Verdians dominating play throughout the match, despite struggles to find the net.

While both teams created a number of chances, Cape had the most shots at goal, four, as against their opponents who recorded only one.

The decisive moment came in the 88 minute, when Mendes’s spot kick found the back of the net, to prevent an extra time.

Cape Verde continue to ride on their impressive group stage performance, where they finished top of Group B, winning two of their games, drawing the last against Egypt.

Mauritania, on the other hand, will have to endure a disappointing night, having finished as best losers in Group D.

Cape Verde will now face the winners in the clash between Morocco and South Africa in the quarter-finals.