Cape Verde took a massive step toward qualifying for their maiden FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Praia on Tuesday.
Forward Dailon Livramento, the 24-year-old Italy-based striker born in Rotterdam to Cape Verdean parents, struck the decisive goal in the 54th minute, his third of the campaign after a brace against Angola in March. His clinical finish not only sealed a famous win but also placed the Blue Sharks within touching distance of football’s biggest stage.
The result leaves Cape Verde top of Group D with 19 points, four ahead of Cameroon, who had been widely expected to dominate the group. To secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Blue Sharks now need just three points from their final two fixtures in October, away to Libya and at home to Eswatini.
For Cape Verde, the victory carried extra significance. It avenged last year’s heavy 4-1 defeat in Yaoundé against the Indomitable Lions, Africa’s most experienced World Cup campaigners with eight appearances.
Cameroon, meanwhile, suffered a double setback. The defeat not only dented their chances of topping the group but also dropped them to fifth in the standings of second-placed teams. Only the top four runners-up will advance to a playoff mini-tournament, with the winner heading to the intercontinental playoffs in March for two final World Cup slots.
