MX23RW : Friday, March 21 01:27:49| >> :600:9061739:9061739:

Africa Cup of Nations preview: Cape Verde

Africa Cup of Nations preview: Cape Verde
© AP Photos
Sports Mole previews minnows Cape Verde as they take part in their first ever Africa Cup of Nations.

Cape Verde caused a major shock in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying when they defeated Cameroon to reach the finals for the first time in their history.

An eye-catching 3-2 triumph over two legs was enough to write coach Lucio Antunes and his players into the nation's folklore.

They may have been given a tough draw in Group A but they're sure to relish opening the tournament against hosts South Africa in Soccer City.

However, there would be few bigger surprises in the competition if Cape Verde were to gatecrash the last eight.

Group: A

Players to watch out for:

Ryan Mendes
The forward has enjoyed a decent start to life with Lille following a summer move from Le Havre. With good instincts in the penalty box, opposition teams will have to keep and eye on the nimble 22-year-old.

Heldon Nhuck
If Mendes fails to create any magic in front of goal, Nhuck should also give defenders plenty to consider. The 24-year-old, who plays his football in Portugal with Maritimo, is comfortable both inside and outside of the box.

Previous best: N/A

Odds to win outright: 66/1

Sports Mole says: Group stage

ID:64366: cacheID:64366:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2175:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
Lille 2-0 Ajaccio
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal291610353242958
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest29166749351454
4Chelsea29147853371649
5Manchester CityMan City29146955401548
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29121164842647
8Fulham2912984338545
9Aston Villa2912984145-445
10Bournemouth29128948361244
11Brentford29125125045541
12Crystal Palace2810993633339
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd29107123740-337
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs291041555431234
15Everton2971393236-434
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2997133349-1634
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2975174058-1826
18Ipswich TownIpswich2938182862-3417
19Leicester CityLeicester2945202565-4017
20Southampton2923242170-499


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!