The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in action (photo)
FIFA Rank: 40
Coach: Rui Aguas
Captain: Marco Soares
Nickname: Blue Sharks
Best AFCON finish: Quarter-finals
AFCON 2013 finish: Quarter-finals
AFCON PEDIGREE:
The Blue Sharks don't have much of a history in the competition, and 2015 will be only their second appearance at the finals. They made their debut in South Africa in the 2013 tournament, where they managed to go as far as the Quarter Finals.
Their previous run included draws in the group stage against South Africa and Morocco, and a 2-1 win over Angola. They then went on to play against Ghana, but lost 2-0 to The Black Stars.
FIFA Rank: 40
Coach: Rui Aguas
Captain: Marco Soares
Nickname: Blue Sharks
Best AFCON finish: Quarter-finals
AFCON 2013 finish: Quarter-finals
AFCON PEDIGREE:
The Blue Sharks don't have much of a history in the competition, and 2015 will be only their second appearance at the finals. They made their debut in South Africa in the 2013 tournament, where they managed to go as far as the Quarter Finals.
Their previous run included draws in the group stage against South Africa and Morocco, and a 2-1 win over Angola. They then went on to play against Ghana, but lost 2-0 to The Black Stars.
SQUAD OVERVIEW:
The small island nation doesn't have any household names in their squad, but were able to summon players from all over Europe to join the national team.
In defence, Cape Verde can rely on 33-cap Fernando Varela of Steaua Bucharest in Romania. Experienced midfielders Babanco, Toni Varela, and Platini are also available. Their goal threat is likely to come from Sporting Lisbon striker Heldon (who has scored seven goals for the national team), Elche's Garry Rodrigues or the France-based trio of Odaïr Fortes, Júlio Tavares and Ryan Mendes.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeeepers: Vozinha (Progresso Sambizanga), Kevin Sousa (Nacional), Ivan Cruz (Gil Vicente)
Defenders: Kay (Universidade Craiova) Carlitos (Apoel Limassol), Nivaldo (Teplice), Fernando Varela (Steaua Bucareste), Stopira (Videoton), Gege (Marítimol), Jeffrey Fortes (Dordrecht)
Midfielders: Babanco (Estoril-Praia), Sergio Semedo (Olhanense), Platiny (CSKA Sofia), Nuno Rocha (Universidade Craiova), Tony Varela (Excelsior), Calu (Progresso Sambizanga)
Forwards: Jorge Djaniny (Santos Laguna), Julio Tavares (Dijon), Ryan Mendes (Lille), Heldon Augusto Almeida Ramos (Sporting), Garry Mendes (Elche), Odair Fortes (Reims), Kuca (Estoril Praia)
The small island nation doesn't have any household names in their squad, but were able to summon players from all over Europe to join the national team.
In defence, Cape Verde can rely on 33-cap Fernando Varela of Steaua Bucharest in Romania. Experienced midfielders Babanco, Toni Varela, and Platini are also available. Their goal threat is likely to come from Sporting Lisbon striker Heldon (who has scored seven goals for the national team), Elche's Garry Rodrigues or the France-based trio of Odaïr Fortes, Júlio Tavares and Ryan Mendes.
FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeeepers: Vozinha (Progresso Sambizanga), Kevin Sousa (Nacional), Ivan Cruz (Gil Vicente)
Defenders: Kay (Universidade Craiova) Carlitos (Apoel Limassol), Nivaldo (Teplice), Fernando Varela (Steaua Bucareste), Stopira (Videoton), Gege (Marítimol), Jeffrey Fortes (Dordrecht)
Midfielders: Babanco (Estoril-Praia), Sergio Semedo (Olhanense), Platiny (CSKA Sofia), Nuno Rocha (Universidade Craiova), Tony Varela (Excelsior), Calu (Progresso Sambizanga)
Forwards: Jorge Djaniny (Santos Laguna), Julio Tavares (Dijon), Ryan Mendes (Lille), Heldon Augusto Almeida Ramos (Sporting), Garry Mendes (Elche), Odair Fortes (Reims), Kuca (Estoril Praia)
By: Farai Diza
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