Cape Verde are still in pole position to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup after they battled back from an early goal down to draw 3-3 with Libya at the Tripoli Stadium on Wednesday, October 8.
The Blue Sharks were trailing as early as the first minute of the game through Roberto Lopes’ own-goal, but Telmo Arcanjo responded with the equaliser on 29 minutes before Ezoo El Mariamy put Aliou Cisse’s side back in front on 52 minutes.
Mahmoud Al Shalwi extended the Mediterranean Knights’ lead on 58 minutes, only for their efforts to be undone by goals from Sidny Cabral and Willy Semedo in the final 23 minutes.
Libya needed another win in Tripoli to keep the pressure on Cameroon in the group after beating Mauritius and Eswatini last month, while Cape Verde were on a roll as they had opened up a four-point gap to the Indomitable Lions following four straight victories.
In the end, the Atlantic Ocean islanders got their just rewards for an improved second-half performance to keep them at the top of the group with one match remaining in the qualifying.
Credit: supersport.com
