headache. Over the course of qualifying, the Portuguese caretaker experimented with different permutations with varying degrees of success. Julio Tavares and Djaniny are the only bona fide targetmen and both are formidable in the air and with their backs towards goal. When Cape Verde have more of the ball, Aguas has preferred Kuca or Ryan Mendes for increased mobility. Heldon, Garry Rodrigues, Odair Fortes, and Platini can occupy either wing effectively. They are all capable dribblers and goalscoring threats.
Strengths
Set pieces - Cape Verde have a wealth of resources in attack, but surprising can struggle score from open play. In big matches and tournaments they have displayed a reliance on set-pieces. Star man Heldon of Sporting is a direct threat from free kicks, but his crosses also provide a platform for Julio Tavares or bigger defenders to attack the opposition. Babanco can also dish dangerous crosses from the opposite flank, so that is a trait Group B opponents must be wary of.
Weaknesses
Goalkeeping - Unlike Mathlouthi, Mweene, or Kidiaba – his group B counterparts - Vozinha is unknown in Africa. The shot-stopper, playing for Progresso in Angola, is fairly reliable, but not immune to hazardous forays out of his box which often end in embarrassment. The Blue Sharks do a good job of limiting the number of times their backline is breached, but the risk of a calamitous mistake looms large.
Key Player
Heldon – Heldon’s talent is evident for all to see, in spite of his recent troubles at club level. Last season, Heldon scored 12 goals for Sporting, but he can’t seem to break into Marco Silva’s squad. The diminutive attacking midfielder has played a crucial role for Cape Verde half a decade now, with his threatening free-kicks and mazy dribbling.
The Hipster Choice
Ryan Mendes – The Lille striker’s ambivalent form this season will strike doubt in the naysayers, but when Mendes is in tip-top shape, there is no stopping a fluid Cape Verde attack. He is undoubtedly Rui Aguas’ X Factor.
The Coach
Rui Aguas - Tournament success allowed for a prestigious coaching appointment. Rui Aguas was hired after Antunes’ departure, and his CV boasted the likes of managing Braga, Estoril, and Vitoria Setubal. Aguas did not change his predecessor’s methods. The team still plays a compact 4-3-3, but he did extend the country’s scouting network testing the likes of Craiova’s Nuno Rocha, Estoril’s Kuca, and Dordrecht’s Jeffrey Fortes.
SFG Predicts
Quarter-finalists - Cape Verde face an uphill struggle in qualifying out of Group B. But this group of players have passed sturdier tests. There is no reason to be pessimistic of their chances.
By Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher)