Luís Gonçalves dissects Cape Verde’s tactics for Bafana showdown
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Cape Verde and Bafana Bafana in the AFCON quarter-final at Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yammoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
Nigeria and DR Congo have already booked berths in the semi-final, and that leaves two more spots.
Bafana Bafana and the Blue Sharks clash at 10PM [RSA time] while hosts Ivory Coast and their neighbours Mali lock horns for the other spot.
Portuguese coach Luís Gonçalves, formerly with Mozambique, delves into the analysis of high-riding Cape Verde. Gonçalves guided The Mambas twice against Cape Verde in the recent past.
The West African islanders have had their best campaign, finishing top of a group with Ghana, Egypt and Mozambique. They beat the Mambas 3-0, Ghana 2-1, and played a 2-2 draw against Egypt.
CAPE VERDE’S STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
“Cape Verde has had a winning mentality since the beginning,” Gonçalves tells FARPost, highlighting their impressive group stage performance and dominant win over Mauritania. Their 4-3-3 formation prioritises creativity and speed on the wings, with Bebé, Garry Rodrigues, and Ryan Mendes posing a significant threat.
They excel at transitions, exploiting their attackers’ pace, and are dangerous on set pieces with Bebé’s long-range shooting. However, their attacking approach sometimes leaves them vulnerable defensively, especially during transitions.
“Sometimes, when they attack, they are unbalanced and exposed, being more vulnerable in the defensive transition,” adds Gonçalves.
WHO ARE THEIR DANGEROUS PLAYERS
Tiago Correia, better known by his nickname Bebé, is one of their dangerous attackers. The 34-year-old, who plays for La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, had an unsuccessful stint with Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He is a technically gifted and experienced forward, comfortable playing behind the attack or cutting inside. His shooting ability from range and familiarity with the terrain make him a threat.
Garry Rodrigues and Ryan Mendes: “These veteran wingers bring experience, creativity, and skill in one-on-one situations, adding significant width and attacking threat.”
22-year-old striker Gilson Tavares, who plays for Benfica B, possesses blistering pace and clinical finishing, offering a direct attacking option. Jovane Cabral of Olympiacos is an explosive striker who “brings dynamism and a powerful shot, further diversifying Cape Verde’s attacking options”.
BREAKING DOWN THEIR GOALS AT AFCON2023
In the group stages, they scored seven goals and in the last 16 they scored one. Six of of their eight goals so far came from open play, one from a free-kick and the other from the penalty spot.
Mendes is their top scorer with two goals, while Bebé, Bryan Teixeira, Garry Rodrigues, Gilson Tavares, Jamiro Monteiro, and Kevil Lenini have each contributed one.
Three of the eight goals have come in the first half of their games at this AFCON. Interestingly, in three of their games, they have scored last gasp goals between the 88th and the 90th minute.
HOW SOUTH AFRICA CAN HURT THEM
Gonçalves reckons South Africa needs to harness its individual talent while maintaining balance. Key midfielders Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole and Teboho Mokoena will be crucial in countering Cape Verde’s offensive momentum and allowing attackers like Percy Tau and Themba Zwane to exploit the space left by their full-backs.
The former Mambas coach emphasises the importance of focus, respect for the opponent and collective play for Bafana Bafana to succeed.
“South Africa’s midfield duo of Sithole and the experienced Mokoena will be crucial in maintaining balance and neutralising Cape Verde’s attacking surges. This will create space for Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, and Evidence Makgopa to unleash their offensive skills and exploit the attacking tendencies of Cape Verde’s full-backs.
“I anticipate a tightly contested match, with both teams having their say. While Cape Verde possesses undeniable strengths, South Africa’s quality, demonstrated against Morocco, shouldn’t be underestimated.”
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