AFCON 2015: Congo Victory Boost Cape Verde' Morale - Rui Aguas

Cape Verde coach Rui Aguas believes that his side’s 3-2 friendly victory over Congo this past weekend was a morale-booster ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The Portuguese coach emphasised that the match was a worthwhile exercise despite the long distance travelled and fatigue suffered by his team in their trip from Lisbon, where they were in camp, to Dakar for the encounter against Congo.

The Blue Sharks found themselves 2-0 down against the Red Devils, but surged to a 3-2 win thanks to an own goal from Igor Nganga, Jailton ‘Kuka’ Miranda’s equaliser and a winner from Djaniny Semedo.


Aguas praised the “heart and tone” of his team, believing they were instrumental in their comeback, and voiced confidence that his side will be able to compete strongly in Group B against Zambia, Tunisia and DR Congo.

Congo coach Claude Le Roy, meanwhile, was disappointed to see his side let slip a two-goal advantage, but praised Cape Verde as “a great team that is very dangerous in transition from defence to attack”.

Cape Verde, who have remained in Senegal since the match, will depart later today (Tuesday) and fly directly to Equatorial Guinea. Their first match of the tournament is against Tunisia on January 18 in Ebebiyin.