Ryan Mendes’ Heroic Penalty: Captain Leads Cape Verde to Victory
In a historic moment for Cape Verde, the national football team claimed their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout victory on Monday, defeating Mauritania 1-0 in the last 16 with a late Ryan Mendes penalty.
The closely contested match at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan appeared destined for extra time when Cape Verde was awarded a crucial spot-kick. Captain Ryan Mendes stepped up with just two minutes remaining in the regular 90 to convert the penalty, breaking Mauritania’s resilience and securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Blue Sharks, a tiny Atlantic Ocean island nation, showcased determination throughout the game, holding their ground through 10 added minutes to advance to the quarter-finals. Their next challenge awaits on Saturday in Yamoussoukro, where they will face either Morocco or South Africa, who are set to clash in the last 16 on Tuesday.
Cape Verde’s coach, Pedro ‘Bubista’ Brito, expressed pride in his team’s accomplishments, stating, “We are proud of everything we have done up to now. We always tried to win the game, and we thoroughly deserved the victory.” Brito remains optimistic about the team’s future in the tournament, setting the ambitious goal of reaching the semi-finals.
🚨🌍 GOAL | Cape Verde 1-0 Mauritania | Ryan Mendes
CAPE VERDE HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/M1WoYBUCFc
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) January 29, 2024
Mauritania, coached by Amir Abdou, had hoped to extend their impressive run after securing their first-ever AFCON win in their last group game against Algeria. Despite their efforts, the Chinguetti Lions fell short, with Abdou acknowledging the team’s naivety in conceding the late penalty. Despite the loss, Abdou highlighted the positives from their tournament run, vowing to return stronger next year.
The dramatic turning point in the match came when Cape Verde was awarded a penalty after substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol was brought down in the box by Mauritania’s goalkeeper Babacar Niasse. Mendes, who plays for Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk, made no mistake, converting the penalty and etching his name in Cape Verde’s football history.
Cape Verde’s journey in the AFCON continues, and the team remains focused on their goal while maintaining humility and respect for their opponents.
Austin’s Basic Income Program for Low Income Houses
-
Oklahoma and Texas will depart from the college sports conference at the end of the season. The Big 12...
-
Robert Kraft wants to re-sign Brady just long enough that he can retire as a Patriot. Earlier this week,...
-
The skilled third-baseman will be enshrined in Cooperstown. Scott Rolen is one of the most skilled and recognized third-basemen...
-
Brady’s 23rd football season has ended. On Monday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys went head-to-head for...
-
Smith has been fired after one season with the team. Over the weekend, the owners of the Houston Texans...
-
Pelé passed due to complications related to colon cancer. On Thursday night, the sporting world received unfortunate news: Pelé,...
-
His return heralded a victory over the Phoenix Suns. On Sunday, Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas needed to take...
-
Mayfield will be available on waiver to other NFL teams. After an underwhelming performance in his current role as...
-
Mike White led the team to a decisive victory over the Bears over the weekend. On Saturday, the New...
-
The game has been moved out of New York due to an encroaching snowstorm. This weekend, the Buffalo Bills...
-
Negative pushback prompted the team to give the role to someone else. Recently, the Brooklyn Nets have been in...
-
The Bears got Claypool in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick. This week, the Pittsburgh Steelers cut a deal...