The thrilling journey of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Ivory Coast has reached an electrifying conclusion for the PALOP teams, with Cape Verde and Angola standing out, while Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau conclude their participations with different nuances of performance.
Cape Verde: Blue Sharks Demonstrate Resilience and Class
Cape Verde's Blue Sharks emerged as the protagonists, dominating Group B and garnering international attention by commanding respect from champions like Ghana and Egypt. Under Pedro Bubista's leadership, the Cape Verdean team demonstrated class and experience in facing tough opponents such as Egypt, the most decorated team in African football, and four-time champions Ghana.
The draw against Egypt, achieved even after 90 minutes, solidified Cape Verde's clean passage to the round of 16, with two victories against Ghana by two goals to one and Mozambique, by three goals to no reply and a draw with Egypt Cape Verde guaranteed qualification to the round of 16 with 7 points and leading group B.
Mozambique: “Mambas” Leave Everything on the Field, One Goal Missing from Historic
The "Mambas" led a campaign marked by emotion and resilience. Not considered favorites to advance, they surprised by earning two draws, including a thrilling draw in their first game, where they led 2-1 until the 90+7 minute against Egypt, the seven-time African champions, plus a controversial penalty that "saved" Egypt, ending the match tied at 2-2.
In the crucial match against Ghana, Mozambique, led by players like Geny Catamo and Reinildo, was one goal away from achieving a historic qualification for the knockout stage. The loss to Cape Verde was a stumbling block, but the team responded with grit and determination, equalizing in stoppage time against Ghana, scoring twice in five minutes. The lack of an extra goal was the detail that prevented a full celebration, but the "Mambas"' performance left a mark of honor and pride.
Guinea-Bissau did not show everything it had to offer
After yet another consecutive appearance in the CAN finals, the task was not easy: Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. They were clearly the weakest team in Group A, but with more room for error and surprises. But it didn't happen, and it never came close.
The lackluster and uninspired debut against the host nation, Ivory Coast (2-0), didn't leave a positive impression internally or externally. It's well known how important it is to start a competition like the CAN on the right foot, or even without a win, to leave a mark on competence and quality for the upcoming matches. That didn't happen.
On the second day, Equatorial Guinea followed. Their performance also remained unchanged. A 4-2 defeat and elimination. Lack of ambition or fear of losing—football isn't an exact science—but it was clear that the Guinea-Bissau team took few risks and even performed below par at the 2021 AFCON. In their final match, they lost 1-0 to Nigeria, a more colorful, but belated, performance.
Angola: Palancas Negras Make History in Group D
While Mozambique was one step away from the historic, Angola secured its position in the round of 16 by winning Group D. The Palancas Negras, led by Celson Dala and Gilberto, recorded a draw against Algeria to a ball and victories against Mauritania by (3-2) and Burkina Faso, by (2-0).
Angola will face the third-placed team from groups C/D/E in the round of 16, standing out as a team to watch with great anticipation.
Cape Verde, who also won group B with 7 points, will face the 3rd place team in group A/C/D on 29/01.
The 2023 African Football Championship continues to surprise and thrill African football fans, with the PALOP teams contributing to a vibrant and emotional narrative. Cape Verde and Angola carry the pride of advancing, while Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau learn valuable lessons for the future of football in their nations.
