As they did in 2013, the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde have reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations at the 34th edition holding in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Islanders pipped Mauritania by a lone goal on Monday evening to set up a last eight clash with the winners of tomorrow’s last Round of 16 game between Morocco and South Africa.
Ryan Mendes converted from the spot in the 88th minute to end the run of Mauritania, who are in the knockout stage of the continent’s flagship competition for the first time.
Cape Verde, who emerged from Group B, produced shock a win over Ghana (2-1) and also walloped Mozambique 3-0. It was only Egypt that survived defeat, and earned a point in their last group game.
Title holders Senegal will next go up against hosts Côte d’Ivoire with the Teranga Lions favourites to pull through.
Angola, Nigeria, Guinea and DR Congo had earlier booked their tickets in the quarterfinals.
