Pico Lopes on chance for Cape Verde to knock the most successful ever AFCON side out of tournament

Pico Lopes

Pico Lopes Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

With back-to-back victories at this Africa Cup of Nations, doubling their victory tally in the tournament from down the years, Cape Verde have secured qualification for the last 16 and have the opportunity on Monday to knock out Egypt – the most successful side ever in the AFCON.

For Blue Sharks defender Pico Lopes, having seen his team become the first side to make the knock out stages of this tournament after wins over Ghana and Mozambique, his thoughts have turned to making more headlines in the tournament.

“There is a massive incentive (for us) to knock Egypt out of the tournament,” said Lopes when speaking to his club side’s media team. “It would be incredible if we can say that we put them out of the AFCON.”

The Shamrock Rovers player noted that seven times AFCON champions Egypt “were one of the big favourites to go and win it. I'm looking forward to the experience. They are a great team and it is one we can go and enjoy as we have first position secured. Bring it on!”

The Pharaohs will be missing their talismanic striker Mo Salah after the Liverpool FC forward went off injured in the first half of their 2-2 draw with Ghana (which followed another 2-2 draw in their opening match against Mozambique).

“It was our goal to get out of the group and we acheived that with a game to spare which is absolutly incredible. So we can enjoy the next game and what is to come in the last 16.”

Friday’s 3-0 win for Cape Verde over Mozambique was lit up by some fine long range shooting. Bebé had whacked a free kick off the bar from 30 yards and then deceived the Mambas goalkeeper to give his side a half-time lead from even further out.

Captain Ryan Mendes doubled the lead in the 51st minute – a goal that moved the most capped Cape Verdean player to the top also of the all-time goalscoring charts for his country (with 16 goals). Pina then pinged one in from distance to wrap up the 3-0 win.



“Bebé has that in his locker. There are probably question marks over the keeper being beaten from that far out but, having seen that every day in training, I know what Bebé is capable of from that distance.

“I didn't think we'd get a better goal in the game until our third goal when Pina came up and absolutly blasted one into the net. It was a game with some great goals.”

With last Friday’s match kicking off in the early afternoon, Lopes admitted the hot conditions played into there being slightly more low key celebrations following the final whistle than after their first victory in this AFCON. “After the game, as happy as we were, we were nearly too tired to celebrate.

“It was a lot more muted scenes than they were after the win over Ghana in the dressingroom. That was shear tiredness and everyone was just trying to recover and get the fluids in as fast as possible to try and cool down. That is important ahead of game against Egypt.” 

The victory means that, irrespective of Monday night’s match against Egypt, Cape Verde will top the group, ensuring they will remain in Abidjan for their last 16 tie against the third placed team from group A, C or D.



“The most important thing about finishing first is qualifying but the fact that when you finish first you stay in the same hotel, you are used to facilities and training camp, it is a huge help.

“I remember the last time in Cameroon we qualified (for the last 16) and we had to travel by plane and two hours on the bus and you are trying to settle again.”

Cape Verde now have reached the last 16 in back-to-back tournaments and Lopes spoke about the “overwhelming” support he is receiving.

“It is incredible the amount of support I'm receiving from all over the world and especially back home. It really is over whelming and really appreciated. I hope I've gotten back to everyone who has messaged me. The pure joy they have for Cape Verde’s progression is brilliant to see.”

Cape Verde takes on Egypt on Monday night at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan at the same time as his club side Shamrock Rovers will be taking on Longford Town in the Leinster Senior Cup at the Roadstone Sports and Social Club in Kingswood.

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile