On his debut for the national team, striker Derensili Sanches Fernandes scored Cape Verde’s fourth goal against Liberia (4-2) on Friday at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde. A win that revives their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2027.
Cape Verde claim their first win in the qualifiers for AFCON 2027. On Friday, at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde, the Cape Verde national team beat Liberia 4-2 on matchday 3 of Group K, according to Sports Village Square and ANTARA News. Cape Verde had lost their first two qualifiers in September.
Among the scorers on the night was Derensili Sanches Fernandes, an international striker who plays for Huddersfield Town. Making his debut for the national team, he scored their fourth goal in the 90+1st minute, from a Deroy Duarte pass, Scoresway reports.
A four-goal first half
The script quickly turned in the hosts’ favour: Ayoni Santos opened the scoring as early as the 5th minute, according to Dongqiudi and ANTARA. Liberia hit back through Franklin Nyenetue in the 36th minute, but Cape Verde regained the lead two minutes later through José Tavares, set up by João Paulo.
Dailon Livramento made it 3-1 in the 43rd minute, from a Ryan Mendes pass, before the break. In stoppage time, Liberia international striker Ayouba Kosiah pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 90+5th minute, without threatening Cape Verde’s win.
Dominance in the numbers
Cape Verde dominated possession, with 53% against 47%, and had 11 shots against 10, including 5 on target against 2, according to statistics relayed by Dongqiudi.
Yuran Fernandes, a Persebaya player, was in the Cape Verde squad but did not come on, ANTARA notes. The win is their first of this campaign.
Group K still wide open
With 3 points, Cape Verde sit 3rd in Group K, four points behind Rwanda and Mali, according to ANTARA. The return match, Liberia v Cape Verde, is scheduled for Wednesday 18 November 2026.
Cape Verde had reached the second round of the 2026 World Cup, Sports Village Square recalls.