Cape Verde, after achieving their best-ever group stage performance in the Africa Cup of Nations by finishing at the top of their group undefeated with seven points, surpassing Egypt and Ghana, looked to continue their story in AFCON 2023 against Mauritania. Mauritania qualified with three points as one of the best third-placed teams, defeating Algeria in the last round.

Cape Verde Hands Ghana The Defeat and Takes the Lead in Group B

In a match where from start to finish the Blue Sharks dictated the game, dominating 70% of possession, not allowing any shots on target from the opponent, and pressuring the rival's area throughout the match, the winning goal came in the 88th minute. Ryan Mendes, the player from Faith Karagümrük in the Süper Lig, secured the victory for his team through a penalty.

With this result, Cape Verde advances to the quarterfinals of AFCON 2023, awaiting the winner between the strong favorite Morocco and the powerhouse South Africa. Mauritania exits on a high note after reaching the Round of 16, eliminating one of Africa's historic and multiple-time champion teams, Algeria.