Cape Verde are one win away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time after upsetting continental heavyweights Cameroon 1-0.
The Blue Sharks lead the Indomitable Lions by four points with two rounds of fixtures remaining in Group D following a stunning victory secured by Dalion Livramento’s solo effort in the second half in Praia.
Elsewhere, Pape Matar Sarr scored the winner as Senegal fought back from 2-0 down to beat DR Congo 3-2 and move top of their group.
Ivory Coast preserved their one-point advantage over Gabon at the summit of Group F after securing a goalless draw away against the Panthers.
The reigning continental champions, who last featured at the World Cup in 2014, came close to defeat when Shavy Babicka struck the post for the hosts in the 87th minute.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s hopes of automatic progress to the 2026 finals are slim after the Super Eagles could only draw 1-1 away against Group C leaders South Africa when a win was realistically required to stay in contention.
And Egypt missed the chance to book their spot at the finals with two games to spare in Group A after a goalless draw in Burkina Faso.
Only the nine group winners in African qualifying are assured of a place at the finals, with the four best-ranked second placed sides entering play-offs for one spot at an intercontinental tournament next year.
Morocco and Tunisia have already secured passage to the finals.
Blue Sharks seal famous victory
Cape Verde led five-time continental champions Cameroon by one point in Group D before their meeting, and the Blue Sharks extended their advantage after pulling off a stunning upset.
Livramento scored the only goal in the 54th minute when he muscled Carlos Baleba off the ball in his own half, powered through the heart of the Cameroon defence and then calmly finished past Andre Onana from 14 yards.
Cameroon offered little going forward in response, with Bryan Mbeumo having a penalty claim turned down and home goalkeeper Vozinha saving Flavien Boyomo’s volley in stoppage time.
The final whistle sparked a pitch invasion by fans, with joyous scenes as supporters waved flags and lit flares in celebration of a famous victory.
Cape Verde have punched above their weight in recent editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarter-finals in the 2013 and 2023 editions, but for the Atlantic Ocean archipelago nation of less than 600,000 inhabitants to reach the World Cup finals would be truly remarkable.
The Blue Sharks know that three points from their final two games next month, away against Libya and at home against lowly Eswatini, will mean they book their ticket to Canada, Mexico and the United States.
BBC
