With a 40-yard free kick, Bebe helped Cape Verde defeat Mozambique and secure their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations’ last-16.
The former Manchester United striker for Rayo Vallecano hammered home a goal that goalie Ernan Siluane ought to have handled better.
Captain Ryan Mendes doubled their lead by capitalizing on a defensive blunder.
The victory in Abidjan was then secured by Kevin Pina, who struck a spectacular goal from outside the box into the top corner.
The nicest parts of Mozambique were brought about by Geny Catamo. In the first half, he won a penalty that the video assistance referee (VAR) overruled, and he also struck the crossbar with a free kick.
With one game remaining, Cape Verde’s victory guarantees them the top slot in Group B, ahead of Egypt and Ghana, the previous champions.
On Monday at 20:00 GMT, the Blue Sharks play their penultimate group game against the North Africans with the knowledge that they will play a seven-day later matchup with the third-place finisher from Group A, C, or D.
Cape Verde emerged victorious from a challenging group.
Bebe rejoices.
Bebe (left) earned his Cape Verde debut in 2022 after competing at the youth level for Portugal.
With one game remaining, the Blue Sharks defeated Ghana and Egypt in a group that no one would have predicted, but that is exactly what occurred.
In their fourth Africa Cup of Nations, Bubista’s team, ranked 73rd in the world, has advanced from the group stages in three of them.
Following strong first-round performances, Mozambique, who drew with Egypt, and Cape Verde, who defeated Ghana, entered this match full of optimism.
But this time around, the Mambas—who currently stand 111th in the Fifa rankings—were soundly defeated.
Bebe, who made his debut for Cape Verde in 2022 after abandoning his Portuguese national team, scored from far out after a free kick struck the post and some poor goalkeeping.
Witi’s shot was the only one Mozambique had on aim, and after that the islanders hardly looked back.
Egypt and Ghana, who currently have two and one point, respectively, have the potential to advance, as the top four third-place teams advance to the round of 16.
If they defeat Ghana, Mozambique—who has never won an Africa Cup of Nations match—may also advance to the next round.
