CAF Sends Message to Cape Verde After World Cup Elimination Despite Spirited Display vs Argentina

• CAF has applauded Cape Verde’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign after their Round of 32 elimination
• Cape Verde stretched defending champions Argentina for 120 minutes before eventually losing 3-2
• The debutants had strong performances against Spain, Uruguay and Argentina in their first-ever campaign

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CAF has applauded Cape Verde after their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 3-2 loss against defending champions Argentina.

Cape Verde made their debut at the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Spain, followed by a 2-2 draw against Uruguay and another draw against Saudi Arabia.

The Blue Sharks were paired against Argentina in the knockout stage and they took the match to the champions, defying what most fans expected.

Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the first half. Deroy Duarte equalised in the second half before Lisandro Martinez put the South Americans ahead again.

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Sidny Lopes Cabral scored a worldie to equalise and take the match to extra time where Diney Borges’ own goal won it for Argentina and eliminated Cape Verde.

The defending champions will face Egypt in the Round of 16 after the Pharaohs defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties in the other Round of 32 game.

CAF sends message to Cape Verde

CAF published a statement on its official X page, applauding Cape Verde after their spirited performance against Argentina despite their elimination.

"You showed the world who Cape Verde really is. Thank you for everything. Forever proud. 🇨🇻💙,” the post reads.

Scaloni praises Cape Verde

Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni praised the Blue Sharks for their impressive performance, admitting they took the world champions to the end.

“That was for those who said we had an easy run in the draw,” he told FIFA. “I just wanted the match to be over. You saw the stunning goal they scored. I'm always wary. ‌I was calmer than I looked.

“Everyone thought it would be a walk in the park, but we knew it wouldn't be.”

Cape Verde boss Bubista was full of praise for his players after their impressive and signifying performance against the world champions.

“We dignify what our country is. We drew twice against the world champions, we took it to extra time... More than anything, it's being proud of our players who were dignified in the World Cup. We showed our identity,” he told FIFA.

The former centre-back shared the mood in the Cape Verdean dressing room after the match, and described it as a learning process for his players.

“The feeling in the dressing room ‌is one of sadness. We're sad, ⁠of course; we're sad because ‌we're leaving the competition and because we got so close, so close,” he added.

“Even though they were sad, the players were hugging each other, and they were crying. This is part of growing. This helps us grow, and also shows that the team has a soul.”

Cape Verde President sends message to Argentina

Legit.ng previously reported that Cape Verde President Jose Maria Neves sent a message to Lionel Messi and Argentina before their World Cup clash.

Neves was hopeful that the Blue Sharks will win, but despite their elimination, they proved that they are competitors on the global stage.