Cape Verde Lift-Off at African Cup of Nations--Sydney Abdo

After Cape Verdes' liberation from Portugal in 1975, they have been waiting for their chance to play in the competitive match known as the African Cup of Nations.

But in its first ever appearance at the finals, where most were expecting it to fail, the 'Blue Sharks' have captured the imagination of the watching world with its fairytale story.

Antunes, whose side defeated the might of Cameroon in the qualifying playoff, had drawn with host South Africa and Morocco in its previous two group games.

And despite trailing 1-0 through an own-goal, the 'Blue Sharks' hit back with two strikes in the final nine minutes to see off Angola.

 

Cape Verde progresses to the last eight along with host nation South Africa, which claimed a 2-2 draw against Morocco in an entertaining game in Durban.

 

It means the host, which has only won a single game in the past nine years at the tournament, finishes top of Group A, much to the delight of coach Gordon Igesund.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/27/sport/football/football-cape-verde-south-africa/index.html?iref=allsearch