Cape Verde won its ticket to the round of 16 of the African Football Cup of Nations (CAN), beating Mozambique 3-0, thanks in particular to a 40m free kick from Bebé, Friday in Abidjan .
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African Cup of Nations: schedule and results
African Cup of Nations ranking
The Cape Verdeans, who confirmed their success at the wire against Ghana (2-1), are leaders of group B with six points and assured of a place in the eighth.
They will try to reach the quarters as in 2013, their best result in the competition.
After a first free kick from 35 m on the crossbar (24th), the Rayo Vallecano Bebé striker tried his luck from even further, 40 m.
A boldness rewarded by an exceptional goal, even if the opposing goalkeeper Ernan made a handball mistake.
Egypt wants to follow
Mozambique, who had held Egypt 2-2 in the opening, could have equalized from the penalty spot (40th) while Geny Catamo seemed to be sandwiched by two Cape Verdeans in the area, but the referee reversed his decision after resorting to the VAR.
In the second period, the captain of Cape Verde, former Lille player Ryan Mendes, took advantage of an error from Edmilson Dove to recover the ball and closely deceive Ernan (51st).
The Blue Sharks definitely took cover thanks to a splendid strike from almost 30 m from Kevin Pina (69th).
Behind already qualified Cape Verde, Egypt is second with only two points after their second draw on Thursday, against Ghana (2-2).
Bad evening for the Pharaohs who saw their star Mohamed Salah come out before the break, visibly injured in a thigh.
The seven-time winners of the CAN will face Cape Verde on Monday to try to reach the eighth, while Ghana and Mozambique, who both have one point, will be opposed.