Cape Verde Draw 3-3 with Libya, Extend Group D Lead
When Cape Verde national team forced a 3‑3 draw against Libya at Tripoli Stadium on , the island nation stretched its lead at the top of CAF Group D to five points. The match was part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Group D qualifierTripoli Stadium and was overseen by Sudanese referee Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail.
- Final score: Cape Verde 3 – 3 Libya
- Venue: Tripoli Stadium, Tripoli, Libya
- Attendance: approximately 7,200 spectators
- Group D standing after match: Cape Verde 7 points, Libya 4 points
- Next Cape Verde fixture: versus Eswatini (late October 2025)
Match Recap: A Roller‑Coaster at Tripoli Stadium
The opening ten minutes were tense. Libya struck first in the 12th minute – a low, driven shot from midfielder Ali Krawa'a that slipped past the Cape Verde keeper. The island side responded two minutes later when a corner flicked in and found the back of the net, leveling the score. By halftime the visitors were ahead 2‑1, the second goal coming from a swift counter‑attack that left the Cape Verde defence scrambling.
But here’s the thing: the second half belonged to Cape Verde. Coach Jorge Costa (who was promoted to head coach in March 2024) made a tactical switch, moving the formation from a 4‑4‑2 to a more aggressive 4‑3‑3. The gamble paid off. In the 54th minute, a blistering run down the right wing culminated in a cross that was headed home by striker Flávio Tavares. Two minutes later, a penalty awarded for a handball in the box saw forward Gonçalo Semedo coolly finish, putting Cape Verde ahead 3‑2.
Libya, however, refused to fold. In the 78th minute, a well‑placed free‑kick curled over the wall and into the top corner, restoring parity. The final minutes were a scramble of chances, but neither side could find the winner, and the whistle blew on a dramatic 3‑3 stalemate.
What the Draw Means for Group D
Group D is a tight‑knit pack of six nations: Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini and Mauritius. Before the Tripoli showdown, Cape Verde sat on seven points, having drawn 0‑0 with Angola and beaten Eswatini 2‑0 earlier in the campaign. Libya entered with four points after a 1‑0 win over Eswatini and a 1‑1 draw with Cameroon.
The five‑point cushion now gives Cape Verde a comfortable margin, but it’s far from safe. With five matches still to play, a slip‑up could see Cameroon, who sit on six points after a 3‑0 victory over Mauritius, surge back into contention. The CAF regulations state that the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup, while the runner‑up drops into the inter‑confederation play‑offs.
Interesting enough, the point gap mirrors the situation in Group E, where Morocco is also cruising with a five‑point lead. Analysts say that early dominance in African qualifiers often translates into World Cup berths, but the continent’s history of surprise upsets means Cape Verde can’t get complacent.
Reactions from Coaches and Federations
After the final whistle, Jorge Costa praised his squad’s resilience: “We knew we had to fight. The boys showed heart, and the fans in Tripoli gave us the energy we needed.” The Cape Verdean Football Federation (CVFF) released a brief statement highlighting the team’s “unwavering determination” and promising to “maintain focus as we head into the crucial final match‑days.”
Libya’s head coach, Mansour Al‑Saleh, was more measured: “A draw at home is disappointing, but we still have a realistic shot at the play‑offs. We’ll regroup and look at the details that cost us points.” The Libyan Football Federation echoed that sentiment, noting that “the team’s defensive lapses in the second half were the difference.”
Even the referee, Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail, received a nod from the CAF Refereeing Committee for “maintaining a high level of professionalism in a high‑pressure environment.”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Next week, Cape Verde faces Eswatini in a match slated for at the Estádio Nacional in Praia. The fixture is expected to draw a modest crowd of around 3,500, but the stakes are high: a win would push the lead to eight points.
Libya, meanwhile, will travel to face Mauritius on . That game could be a make‑or‑break for the North African side, as a victory would keep them within striking distance of the top spot.
Cameroon is set to host Angola on , a clash that many pundits label the “decider” for the second qualifying place. If Cameroon wins and Cape Verde slips, the Portuguese‑speaking island nation could find itself battling for a play‑off berth instead of direct qualification.
Background: Cape Verde’s World Cup Journey
Cape Verde’s first appearance on the world stage came at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and the island nation secured its maiden World Cup qualification at the 2022 tournament in Qatar – a historic moment that sparked a footballing renaissance back home. Since then, the CVFF has invested heavily in youth academies, with the Academia de Futebol de Praia producing a new generation of talent.
The 2026 campaign marks the second chance for the “Blue Sharks” to write history. Their current campaign, boasting two wins and two draws, is the best start any Cape Verdean side has ever had in a World Cup qualifying cycle. If they clinch the group, they will be the first African nation to qualify for consecutive World Cups since Ghana in 2006‑10.
Economically, a World Cup berth could mean a windfall of sponsorship deals and increased tourism. The Ministry of Tourism estimates a potential 12% rise in visitor numbers during the tournament year, translating to roughly $4.8 million in additional revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Cape Verde’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
The 3‑3 draw keeps Cape Verde five points clear at the top of Group D, giving them a cushion heading into the final match‑days. A win in their next game against Eswatini could extend the lead to eight points, which would likely secure direct qualification, barring a massive upset by Cameroon.
What are the remaining fixtures for Group D and why are they crucial?
Cape Verde faces Eswatini on October 24, Libya travels to Mauritius on October 25, and Cameroon hosts Angola on October 26. These matches determine the final standings; a slip by Cape Verde or a win by Cameroon could reshuffle the top two spots and push the losers into the play‑off route.
Who scored for Cape Verde in the comeback against Libya?
The second‑half surge was powered by striker Flávio Tavares, who headed in the equaliser, and forward Gonçalo Semedo, who converted the penalty to give Cape Verde a 3‑2 lead. Both players have been key contributors throughout the qualifying campaign.
What does CAF’s qualification format mean for African teams?
Under the CAF format for the 2026 World Cup, each group winner qualifies directly, while the runner‑up moves to a inter‑confederation play‑off. With nine direct spots allocated to Africa, the race is intense; only the top two from each group have a realistic path to the tournament.
How might a World Cup appearance impact Cape Verde’s economy?
Experts project that qualification could boost tourism by roughly 12%, adding about $4.8 million to the national economy during the World Cup year. Increased global exposure also attracts sponsorships for the football federation and local businesses.
Comments
johnson ndiritu
October 9, 2025 AT 02:37Cape Verde pulling a 3‑3 on Libya? Typical over‑rated drama, bless their hearts 😒⚽️