Quarter-Final:- Cabo Verde and South Africa are set to face each other in the quarter-finals of the 2024 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. This highly anticipated match is scheduled to take place on February 3rd, 2024, at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. Both teams have shown impressive performances in the tournament so far, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter between the two sides.
Cabo Verde finished second in Group B, with two wins and a draw, while South Africa topped Group D with two wins and a draw. Both teams have been impressive defensively, with Cabo Verde only conceding one goal in the group stage, and South Africa keeping two clean sheets. The match promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Overview of AFCON 2024
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a biennial men’s football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The 2024 edition of the tournament is being hosted by the Ivory Coast and will feature 24 teams from across the continent.
The tournament kicked off on January 14, 2024, with the opening match between Ivory Coast and Angola. The group stage matches were held over a period of two weeks, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
The quarter-finals of the tournament began on January 31, 2024, with Cape Verde taking on Morocco and South Africa facing off against Nigeria. Cape Verde advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, thanks to a late penalty from Ryan Mendes that secured a 1-0 win over Morocco. South Africa, on the other hand, secured their place in the quarter-finals with a convincing win over Guinea.
The quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to secure a place in the semi-finals. Cape Verde will be hoping to continue their impressive run in the tournament, while South Africa will be looking to build on their solid performance in the group stage.
Overall, the 2024 AFCON has been an exciting tournament so far, with plenty of drama and excitement on the pitch. The knockout stage promises to be even more thrilling, with some of the best teams from across the continent battling it out for the ultimate prize.
Cabo Verde’s Path to the Quarter-final
Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, has made it to the quarter-finals of the CAF AFCON 2024 after beating Mauritania 1-0 in the round of 16. This is the second time that Cabo Verde has reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, with their first appearance being in 2013.
In the group stage, Cabo Verde was drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Angola, and Guinea. They started their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Angola, with goals from Ryan Mendes and Heldon Ramos. In their second match, they played out a goalless draw against Guinea. In their final group match, they faced Nigeria and lost 1-0, with Victor Osimhen scoring the only goal of the match.
Despite the loss to Nigeria, Cabo Verde finished second in their group with four points, behind Nigeria who had six points. This was enough to see them progress to the knockout stage of the tournament.
In the round of 16, Cabo Verde faced Mauritania and won 1-0 thanks to a late penalty from Ryan Mendes. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances throughout the game. However, it was Cabo Verde who came out on top, and they will now face either Morocco or South Africa in the quarter-finals.
Overall, Cabo Verde’s path to the quarter-finals has been a solid one, with two wins, one draw, and one loss in the tournament so far. They will be hoping to continue their good form in the next round and progress to the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
South Africa’s Journey to the Quarter-final
South Africa has had a successful journey to the quarter-finals of the CAF AFCON 2024. They started their campaign in Group C, where they faced tough opposition from Ghana, Mali, and Ethiopia. South Africa managed to finish second in the group behind Ghana, securing a spot in the knockout stages.
In the Round of 16, South Africa faced tournament favorites and semi-finalists of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco. Despite being the underdogs, South Africa produced a stunning performance, beating Morocco 2-0 to qualify for the quarter-finals. Evidence Makgopa produced a neat finish to score the opener in the 57th minute, surviving a late surge from Morocco to secure the win.
South Africa’s journey to the quarter-finals has been a team effort, with several players stepping up and delivering crucial performances. Striker Percy Tau has been a standout player for South Africa, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the tournament so far. Midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo has also been impressive, providing a solid defensive shield in front of the backline.
South Africa will now face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, a team that has also impressed in the tournament so far. South Africa will need to be at their best to overcome Cape Verde and progress to the semi-finals.
Head-to-Head Historical Performance
Cabo Verde and South Africa have faced each other only once in an official match. The match was played during the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, and it ended in a goalless draw. Thus, both teams are yet to register a win against each other.
However, South Africa has a better overall record in the Africa Cup of Nations. They have won the tournament once, in 1996, and have finished as runners-up twice, in 1998 and 2013. On the other hand, Cabo Verde has never won the tournament, and their best performance came in 2013 when they reached the quarter-finals.
In terms of recent form, South Africa has won three of their last five matches, while Cabo Verde has won two and lost two of their last five matches. However, it is worth noting that Cabo Verde has won both of their matches in the ongoing tournament, while South Africa has won one and lost one.
Overall, both teams have shown that they are capable of producing good performances, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against each other in the upcoming quarter-final match.
Key Players in Cabo Verde Squad
Cabo Verde, also known as Cape Verde, has a talented squad that has made it to the quarter-finals of the 2024 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. The team has a mix of experienced and young players who have been performing well in the tournament. Here are some of the key players in the Cabo Verde squad:
Ryan Mendes
Ryan Mendes is the captain of the Cabo Verde team and one of their most experienced players. He has been selected for all of Cabo Verde’s previous appearances at the Cup of Nations finals. He is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. In the match against Mauritania, Mendes converted a late penalty to secure Cabo Verde’s place in the quarter-finals [1].
Vozinha
Vozinha is another experienced player in the Cabo Verde squad. He has played all but one of their 11 appearances at the Cup of Nations finals. He is a goalkeeper and has been instrumental in keeping Cabo Verde’s opponents at bay. He is known for his quick reflexes and excellent shot-stopping abilities.
Helder Tavares
Helder Tavares is a midfielder who has been playing for the Cabo Verde national team since 2007. He is known for his passing ability and has been a key player in Cabo Verde’s midfield. He has also been contributing to the team’s attack with his accurate long-range shots.
Garry Rodrigues
Garry Rodrigues is a winger who has been playing for Cabo Verde since 2015. He is known for his pace and dribbling skills, which make him a dangerous player for the opposition. He has also been contributing to the team’s attack with his crosses and shots on goal.
Cabo Verde has a talented squad with several key players who can make a difference in the quarter-final match against South Africa. If they can play to their potential, they have a good chance of making it to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Key Players in South Africa Squad
South Africa boasts a talented squad with several players who can make a significant impact in the quarter-final against Cabo Verde. Here are some of the key players to watch out for:
Percy Tau
Percy Tau is one of the most exciting players in the South African squad. The forward is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals. He has been in good form in the tournament so far, scoring two goals in the group stage. Tau’s performance will be crucial to South Africa’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
Thulani Serero
Thulani Serero is a versatile midfielder who can play in a variety of positions. He is known for his passing ability, vision, and work rate. Serero has been a regular starter for South Africa in the tournament, and his performances have been impressive. He will be a key player in the quarter-final, providing the team with creativity and defensive cover.
Kamohelo Mokotjo
Kamohelo Mokotjo is a defensive midfielder who provides cover for the backline. He is known for his tackling ability, work rate, and passing accuracy. Mokotjo has been a key player for South Africa in the tournament, helping the team to keep a clean sheet in the group stage. His performance will be crucial in the quarter-final, as he will be tasked with stopping Cabo Verde’s attacking players.
Bongani Zungu
Bongani Zungu is a central midfielder who is known for his physicality and aerial ability. He is a threat from set-pieces and can score goals with his head. Zungu has been a regular starter for South Africa in the tournament, and his performances have been solid. He will be a key player in the quarter-final, providing the team with defensive cover and attacking threat.
South Africa has a talented squad with several players who can make a difference in the quarter-final against Cabo Verde. The team will be hoping that these key players can perform to their best and help them to progress to the semi-finals.
Strategic Analysis of Cabo Verde Team
Cabo Verde has been one of the surprise packages of the CAF AFCON 2024 so far, having progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition. The team has shown great tactical awareness and discipline in their performances, which has been key to their success.
Defensive Organisation
One of the key strengths of Cabo Verde has been their defensive organisation. The team has been well-structured and difficult to break down, conceding only one goal in their three group stage matches. The defensive unit has been led by the experienced duo of Fernando Varela and Stopira, who have been instrumental in keeping the opposition at bay.
Counter-Attacking Threat
Cabo Verde has also shown great potency on the counter-attack, with their quick and incisive transitions catching many teams off guard. The pace of Ryan Mendes and Julio Tavares has been particularly impressive, with the duo causing problems for the opposition defence with their direct running and intelligent movement.
Set-Piece Prowess
Another area where Cabo Verde has excelled is in set-piece situations. The team has scored two of their three goals in the tournament from set-pieces, with Fernando Varela and Nuno Rocha both finding the back of the net from free-kicks. This highlights the team’s ability to capitalise on any opportunities that come their way.
Overall, Cabo Verde has been a well-organised and disciplined team, with a solid defensive foundation and a dangerous attacking threat. They will be looking to build on their impressive performances in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Strategic Analysis of South Africa Team
South Africa has been a formidable team in the 2024 CAF AFCON tournament. They have shown great teamwork and strategic planning, which has helped them secure a place in the quarter-finals against Cabo Verde.
Team Composition
South Africa has a well-balanced team with players who have experience in playing at the highest level. The team’s defense has been solid, with goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune making crucial saves to keep them in the game. The midfield has been the engine of the team, with players like Siphiwe Tshabalala and Kagisho Dikgacoi providing the necessary support to the attack. The forwards have been clinical in front of goal, with players like Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernard Parker scoring important goals for the team.
Style of Play
South Africa’s style of play has been a mix of attacking and defensive football. They have been able to keep a tight defense while also creating chances in the attack. The team has been able to play possession football, which has helped them control the game. They have also been able to play counter-attacking football, which has been effective in catching their opponents off guard.
Key Strengths
South Africa’s key strength has been their teamwork and discipline. The team has been able to work together to achieve their goals. They have also been disciplined in their approach, which has helped them avoid unnecessary fouls and bookings.
Another key strength of the team has been their ability to adapt to different situations. They have been able to change their style of play depending on the opposition. This has helped them overcome tough challenges and secure important wins.
Areas of Improvement
South Africa’s main area of improvement is their finishing. The team has created numerous chances in the attack but has failed to convert them into goals. This has cost them in some games, and they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to progress further in the tournament.
In conclusion, South Africa has been a strong team in the 2024 CAF AFCON tournament. They have shown great teamwork and strategic planning, which has helped them secure a place in the quarter-finals against Cabo Verde. If they can improve their finishing, they will be a tough team to beat.
Stadium and Venue Details
The quarter-final match between Cabo Verde and South Africa in the CAF AFCON 2024 will be held at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire. The stadium has a seating capacity of 20,000 and was built in 2017, specifically for the AFCON 2023 tournament.
The stadium is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a scoreboard, floodlights, and an electronic ticketing system. The playing surface is natural grass, and the pitch dimensions are 105m x 68m. The stadium is located in the heart of Yamoussoukro and is easily accessible by public transportation.
The Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro is one of the most modern stadiums in Africa and has hosted several high-profile matches, including the AFCON 2023 final. The stadium is named after Charles Konan Banny, a former Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, who played a key role in the construction of the stadium.
Fans attending the match can expect a fantastic atmosphere, with passionate supporters from both teams expected to turn out in large numbers. The stadium has strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees, and fans are advised to arrive early to avoid any delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical head-to-head record between Cabo Verde and South Africa in football competitions?
Cabo Verde and South Africa have faced each other twice in the past, with each team winning one game. The first match was played in 2013 during the African Cup of Nations, and Cabo Verde won 2-1. The second match was a friendly in 2018, which South Africa won 1-0.
How many times has Cabo Verde qualified for the African Cup of Nations?
Cabo Verde has qualified for the African Cup of Nations three times: in 2013, 2015, and 2024. In 2013, they made it to the quarter-finals, which they are hoping to repeat in 2024.
What are the key players to watch in the Cabo Verde squad for the AFCON 2024 quarter-final?
Cabo Verde has a strong squad, but some key players to watch include Ryan Mendes, who scored the winning penalty in their last match against Mauritania, and Djaniny, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far.
How has South Africa performed in previous AFCON tournaments leading up to 2024?
South Africa has won the African Cup of Nations once, in 1996, and has finished as runners-up twice. In recent years, they have struggled to make it past the group stage, but they are hoping to change that in 2024.
What strategies are expected from the Cabo Verde team against South Africa in the upcoming quarter-final?
Cabo Verde is expected to play a defensive game against South Africa, who are known for their attacking style. They will likely rely on counter-attacks and set pieces to try and score goals.
What stadium will host the quarter-final match between Cabo Verde and South Africa in the AFCON 2024?
The quarter-final match between Cabo Verde and South Africa will be held at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Ebimpé, Ivory Coast. The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 and is expected to be packed with fans from both teams.
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