Cape Verde ready to turn Yamoussoukro into new hunting ground

The Blue Sharks have been one of the stand-out teams at the AFCON while based in Abidjan as evidenced by finishing top of a group that included Egypt as well as Ghana and are now among the remaining eight.

Lopes hopes they can reach their first ever semifinal at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium this weekend.

''We look to stay here, the hotel has been great and all the staff.  This is part of processing in the tournament, we knew there could be a possibility - we are looking forward to seeing what it can offer,'' said Lopes.

The 34th edition of the continental showpiece has not been short of drama and shocks, the latest being the elimination of title holders Senegal and Morocco, meaning the top five FIFA ranked sides have all gone home.

Lopes believes the AFCON is anybody’s to win.

READ: AFCON criticism has turned into praise CAF General Secretary

''Anything is possible here, we just knew as we came into the tournament.  We just need to focus on ourselves now that we are through to the quarterfinals. It brings hope to all of us, knowing that we're going to have a new winner,'' added Lopes.

Cape Verde had to negotiate their way past a stubborn Mauritania in the round of 16, a game they edged thanks to a late penalty from captain Ryan Mendes.

For Lopes, this was their toughest fixture at the AFCON so far.

''It was a very physical game, and there was great pressure because people thought we came in as favorites and that had put a lot of pressure on the team. Getting through to the next round showed that we can fight,'' he concluded.

Lopes was not there, but The Blue Sharks’ best run at the AFCON was in 2013 when they reached the quarterfinals in South Africa.

There’s no doubt coach Bubista and his charges would have come to Cote d’Ivoire hoping to go even further – but Bafana stand in their way.