From AFCON to World Cup: Cape Verde Continues to Haunt Cameroon

By A.J.

Cape Verde is repeating its 2012 record when its 2-0 victory over Cameroon barred the Central African nation from competing in the 2013 Africa Cup of National.

Cameroon is yet on the verge of disqualification for the 2026 World Cup after narrowly losing 1-0 to Cape Verde in a qualifier game in Praia on Tuesday, September 9.

Cape Verde further tops Group D with 19 points, trailed by Cameroon (15) and Libya (14), making the island nation the favorite to qualify for the international showdown to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Over the years, Cape Verde has posed significant challenges to Cameroon, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Notably, in the 2013 AFCON qualifiers, Cape Verde defeated Cameroon 2–0 in Praia, securing a 3–2 aggregate victory that denied Cameroon a spot in the tournament.

This defeat highlighted Cape Verde’s growing stature in African football and their ability to disrupt established teams.

In their nine encounters, Cameroon has won four matches, Cape Verde has won three, and two matches have ended in draws.

While Cameroon holds a slight edge in overall victories, Cape Verde’s recent performances, including their victory in the 2013 AFCON qualifiers, underscore their capability to challenge top teams.

Cape Verde currently leads Group D with 19 points, while Cameroon follows with a distant 15 points.

A victory for Cameroon in the recent clash would propel them to the top of the group, enhancing their chances of direct qualification for the World Cup.

Conversely, a loss has seen Cape Verde extend their lead, complicating Cameroon’s path to qualification.

Cameroon’s recent form has been strong, remaining unbeaten under Coach Marc Brys in their last 13 matches.

However, they must overcome the psychological barrier of the present defeat and past losses to Cape Verde and capitalize on their attacking prowess to qualify for the World Cup.

Cameroon and Cape Verde have clashed nine times since 2008 during which Cameroon recorded 4 wins, Cape Verde 3 wins and two draws between both of them.