One of the best goals of this 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations, without a doubt.
After having already surprised Ghana when they entered the competition (1-0), the Cape Verde players will be talked about around the world.
Against Mozambique, the Blue Sharks opened the scoring in a funny way.
The work is that of Bebe, the experienced Rayo Vallecano striker.
[⚽️ GOAL VIDEO] 🏆 #beINCAN2023
🇨🇻🇲🇿 Bebé scores a completely crazy goal against Mozambique!
🔥 A free kick almost from midfield!https://t.co/IqF7aY5X2S
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 19, 2024
At the half-hour mark, on a free kick obtained 40 m from the Mozambican goal, the 33-year-old center forward did not procrastinate.
After a long run-up, the Manchester United player sent a powerful strike.
Surprised by the floating trajectory, the opposing goalkeeper, Ernan, remained helpless even if his hand fault helped his opponent.
This is the farthest free kick recorded in the competition since Opta has been collecting statistics (2010).
Which is reminiscent of the greatest hours of Juninho, the emblematic free-kick taker of OL in the 2000s.
39.5 - Bébé (Cape Verde) scored the furthest goal from a direct free kick (39.5 meters) in the African Cup of Nations since Opta has been collecting this data (2010).
It is also the 5th furthest goal scored over this period in the competition.
Juninhesque.
#CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/By2aIGkeHC
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 19, 2024
Subsequently, Cape Verde widened the gap to sign a convincing victory against Mozambique.
This success propels the teammates of Toulouse Logan Costa, heroes of last year's Coupe de France final, to the top of group B ahead of Egypt and Ghana and already guarantees them a place in the round of 16 of the competition.