AFCON Preview: Why Cape Verde versus Mauritania Round of 16 a big deal

For a country with a population of less than five million to have finally qualified for the knockout phase after two successive failed attempts is a big deal.

“I watched the Nigeria and Cameroon match and saw there was a lot of buzz at the stadium. I am not so sure about our game – it is not as fancy,” said Abdou.

READ: The Bafana Bafana combo Hugo Broos can count on against Morocco

“But it is also a historic game. It is the Round of 16 and both countries want to make their nations proud. We know there are people who have travelled all the way from Mauritania to give us their support and we want to make them proud.”

This is not Abdou’s first rodeo, however.

The French-born mentor was in charge of Comoros in the previous edition of the AFCON held in Cameroon, where he guided the minnows up to this far in the tournament as well.

But the scenario played out differently then as Comoros suffered a major setback when the coach found himself isolated in the hotel after his Covid-19 test returned positive and ruled him – and a few players – out.

In fact, Comoros had to face the hosts with an outfield player having to be named as a goalkeeper for the fixture.

As expected, the underdogs suffered a 2-1 defeat to The Indomitable Lions and were eliminated.

Abdou was appointed Mauritania coach about a month later.

“The context is different this time. The night we played Cameroon I was in my room alone. This time we have had ample time, rest and a few days extra for our preparation than in Cameroon. We feel better – not fatigued [after three group stage fixtures]. Our players are motivated and ready,” said the coach.

Given the two teams are considered minnows at the AFCON, the clash between Mauritania and Cape Verde guarantees one of them to passage to the quarterfinals, a feat The Blue Sharks have achieved before.

Cape Verde made the last eight at the first time of asking in South Africa a little over a decade ago and have two players who were wet behind the ears then and have matured as leaders in the squad today.

“Of course our captain [Ryan Mendes] and goalkeeper [Vozinha] have been very influential and share their experiences. They remind us that this is important for our small nation and we are motivated,” said striker Bebe.

The Blue Sharks come from a country with a population of just a little over one million, but for both Cape Verde and Mauritania the possibility of booking a ticket in the quarterfinals of the AFCON is a big deal.