Cape Verde secured a crucial 2–0 away victory against Mauritius on Thursday to maintain their lead ahead of Cameroon in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Thus setting up a decisive clash with Cameroon next week, with one point separating both sides after seven matches.
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The Blue Sharks took the lead in St Pierre when Jovane Cabral’s 22nd-minute effort was spilled into his own net by Mauritius goalkeeper Dorian Chiotti.
The islanders doubled their advantage late in the second half when centre-back Diney rose unmarked to head home with 20 minutes left.
The result ensured Cape Verde stayed one point clear at the top, ahead of Cameroon’s 3–0 win over Eswatini in Yaoundé.
Bryan Mbeumo was central to the Indomitable Lions’ dominant display.
The Manchester United forward delivered the cross that forced an own goal for the opener.
He later set up Georges-Kevin Nkoudou to nod in the second before Arthur Avom added a third just three minutes later, sealing the victory.
Meanwhile, Libya reignited their campaign with a shock 1–0 triumph away to Angola. Ezoo El Mariamy struck the only goal in the 48th minute, meeting a low cross with a composed finish.
Angola pressed with second-half changes, including the introductions of M’Bala Nzola and Maestro, but failed to break down Libya’s well-organised defence.
A late booking for Saleh in added time reflected the intensity as the visitors held firm.
With three matches remaining, Cape Verde host Cameroon in Praia on Tuesday in what is shaping up as a winner-takes-all encounter for control of Group D.
Libya, five points adrift of the leaders, remain in contention as they continue to chase a play-off spot.
Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with Africa’s four best runners-up set for play-offs.
