Will they claim their first win? Cape Verde vs Liberia: match prediction, November 13
On Friday, November 13, a tense and fiercely contested clash awaits us in the third round of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as Cape Verde host Liberia at the Estádio Nacional in Praia. This fixture carries major strategic significance for both sides: both teams lost their opening two matches and are yet to pick up a point, making this head-to-head encounter their last chance to get back in the race for a place at the continental finals.
Cape Verde head into the third round of qualifying third in the group table, thanks to a slightly better goal difference. The Blue Sharks boast a strong squad by continental standards, featuring players who compete in European leagues, and play balanced, well-organised football. However, their poor start to qualifying means the hosts will have to raise their intensity, while the backing of the home crowd at the Estádio Nacional in Praia should give the islanders a huge emotional lift from the opening whistle.
Liberia sit bottom of the group, also without a point after two matches. The Liberian side traditionally set up with a pragmatic, deep defensive block and rely heavily on physical strength, athletic duels and a compact midfield. Ahead of a daunting trip to Cape Verde, the visitors’ coaching staff have plenty of work to do to improve the team’s defensive discipline and protect their goal, while looking to blunt the hosts’ quick passing combinations in attack.
The tactical script is likely to be dictated by Cape Verde’s dominance of possession and space. The hosts will take control of the ball from the opening minutes, apply pressure down the flanks and set about methodically stretching their opponents’ defensive shape. Liberia, meanwhile, will sit deep in a compact, layered block around their own penalty area, looking to threaten on occasional direct counterattacks and from set pieces.
Prediction
Cape Verde need all three points, but I expect them to grind out a tough win with few goals. My prediction: under 2.5 goals at 1.8
