Cape Verde Stages Late Comeback to Draw 3-3 with Libya in World Cup Qualifier

When Cape Verde national team clawed its way back from a 0-2 halftime deficit to force a 3-3 stalemate against Libya on World Cup Qualifier: Libya vs Cape VerdeTripoli Stadium, the drama unfolded at exactly 15:00 local time (UTC+2) on Wednesday, 8 October 2025. The result kept the island nation five points clear at the top of Group D, sharpening what could become a historic second World Cup appearance.

How the match unfolded

The opening half was a nightmare for the Cape Verdeans. Libyan striker Ahmed Aleiyan put his side ahead in the 23rd minute, and a swift counter‑attack saw Krawa'a double the lead before the break. Coach Rui Águas paced the tunnel, gesturing at a board of formations – a tactical tweak that would pay off after the interval.

At halftime the visitors were down 0‑2, but the atmosphere in the 65,000‑capacity stadium – perched on the Mediterranean coast of Tripoli – remained electric. The referee, Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail from Sudan, blew the whistle for the second half, and the reversal began.

Within five minutes, Cape Verde’s winger Nuno Lopes nudged a cross onto the post, and the rebound fell to striker Vítor Mendes, who slotted home to make it 2‑2. The equaliser sparked a roar that seemed to lift the island team’s spirits. Ten minutes later, a crisp free‑kick from Carlos Silva found the net, giving Cape Verde a 3‑2 lead.

Libya, refusing to bow, pressed forward. In the 78th minute, a low drive from the edge of the box beat the keeper, restoring parity at 3‑3. The final whistle blew with the score level, and the draw ensured Cape Verde climbed to 10 points from four matches – the only unbeaten side in Group D.

What this means for Group D

Group D, part of the CAF’s 2026 World Cup qualifying pathway, features six teams: Cameroon, Cape Verde, Angola, Libya, Eswatini, and Mauritius. With the win‑draw tally, Cape Verde now enjoys a five‑point cushion over second‑placed Cameroon, who sit on 5 points. Libya, slipping to fourth with 5 points, must win all remaining fixtures to keep the play‑off dream alive.

The CAF format – a single‑round robin where the group winner earns direct qualification to the tournament in North America – makes every point precious. The next window in November 2025 sees Cape Verde host Eswatini, while Mauritius travel to Libya. A slip‑up in either game could tighten the race dramatically.

Reactions from the sidelines

“We showed the heart of a champion,” Rui Águas said in the post‑match interview. “The kids back home will be watching this and believing that a World Cup is within reach.”

Libyan coach Jalal Damja was more measured. “We had the advantage of home support, but the second half exposed gaps in our defensive organization,” he noted. “We’ll regroup and aim for a win in the next match.”

Fans in the stands, many of whom had traveled from across the country despite the chilly October air, sang a mixture of traditional chants and Cape Verdean folk songs after the draw – a sign of the sport’s unifying power in a region often divided by politics.

Financial and historic stakes

Qualifying for the World Cup brings a hefty payout: FIFA guarantees $1.5 million per participating nation in the qualifiers, with additional bonuses of $1.25 million per win and $625 000 per draw. For a nation of just under 600 000 people, those figures translate into a significant boost for the Cape Verdean Football Federation’s grassroots programs.

Historically, Cape Verde’s only previous appearance was at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, earned after a dramatic playoff against Egypt. That 2013‑14 campaign remains a touchstone for the current squad, many of whom grew up hearing the national anthem echo through the streets of Praia after that historic qualification.

What comes next?

The November window will be a true test of temperament. Should Cape Verde defeat Eswatini, they’ll lock in the top spot with 13 points, virtually guaranteeing a direct berth. Even a draw would keep the cushion intact, but a loss could invite a last‑minute scramble.

Meanwhile, Libya must win both remaining fixtures and hope Cameroon drops points against Angola or Mauritius. The inter‑confederation play‑offs, slated for March 2026, will pit the CAF runner‑up against a team from Asia or Oceania for the final ticket.

Background: CAF’s road to the 2026 World Cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) allocated nine direct slots for the 2026 tournament, an increase from the previous seven, reflecting FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams. The qualification process began in June 2024 and runs through November 2025 for the group stage, followed by a brief knockout round for the remaining runners‑up.

Group D’s composition – featuring a mix of seasoned powers like Cameroon and emerging sides such as Eswatini – mirrors the continent’s growing competitive balance. The fight for those nine spots has already produced several nail‑biting finishes, and Cape Verde’s resurgence adds another compelling storyline.