Cape Verde’s World Cup Dreams Dangle After Thrilling Draw with Libya

TRIPOLI, Libya — Cape Verde missed the chance to secure its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification after rallying from a 3-1 deficit to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Libya. The match took place on Wednesday, October 8, in Tripoli, where Cape Verde needed a win to guarantee their place at the 2026 finals.

The Blue Sharks entered the match well aware that victory would have made them the second-smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup. Their hopes took a hit early when Libyan player Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes inadvertently scored an own goal just 46 seconds into the game, putting the home team ahead.

Cape Verde equalized in the first half through Telmo Arcanjo’s header. However, Libya managed to reclaim the lead before halftime with a goal from Ezoo El Mariamy, who struck a rebound. The match shifted further in Libya’s favor when Mahmoud Al Shilw scored a spectacular free-kick from distance, making it 3-1 in the 58th minute.

Despite Libya appearing to control the match, Cape Verde fought back to create a thrilling finish. With 14 minutes left, a blunder from Libyan goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi allowed a long ball from Sidny Cabral to roll into the net, reducing the deficit to 3-2.

Six minutes later, Willy Semedo leveled the match at 3-3, turning the match into a nail-biter. Cape Verde sought a winner, coming close multiple times during seven minutes of stoppage time. However, they were denied by timely defensive efforts and an offside call that frustrated their bench, including a controversial counterattack that was halted.

The result left Libya with slim hopes of qualifying for the playoffs, while Cape Verde remained at the top of Group D with 20 points. They will have another chance to qualify when they face Eswatini on Monday, while Cameroon, just behind them in the standings, will host Angola at the same time.

Cape Verde’s performance in Group D this cycle has been impressive, and they hope to secure their first World Cup ticket in their next match.