Cape Verde tightened their hold on Group D in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with a gritty 2-1 win over Angola in Luanda on Tuesday, maintaining their lead in the standings and keeping the pressure on Cameroon.
The visitors faced early adversity as Alessio and Jamiro Monteiro had to leave the pitch due to injuries in the 22nd minute.
However, their substitutes, Telmo Arcanjo and Dailon Livramento, stepped up in a big way.
Livramento, the Hellas Verona striker, marked his presence in style, netting twice to secure the victory.
His first goal came deep into first-half stoppage time when he was played through on goal and coolly slotted past Neblu to break the deadlock (0-1, 45+2).
Angola quickly responded after the break, with Gelson Dala finding the equalizer in the 50th minute (1-1).
However, Cape Verde refused to be denied, and Livramento delivered once more in the 63rd minute, lifting the ball over Neblu to restore his team’s lead (1-2).
Despite Angola’s dominance in possession and multiple goal-scoring opportunities, Cape Verde’s resolute defense held firm to see out the victory.
Bubista’s men will remain atop Group D regardless of the result of Cameroon’s later match against Libya, while Angola’s defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
