AFCON 2027: Cape Verde Squad Shake-up for Liberia Matches
Cape Verde national coach Humberto Bettencourt has signaled a bold shift in strategy, shaking up his squad with seven new additions ahead of a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) qualifying double-header against Liberia.
Bettencourt named a 26-man roster on Monday, aiming to revitalize a side that has struggled in the opening rounds of the campaign. The “Blue Sharks” are currently desperate for points after a difficult start in Group K, which saw them fall 3-1 to Mali and suffer a narrow 2-1 home defeat against Rwanda.
Defensive and Midfield Reinforcements
The squad overhaul begins at the back. Bettencourt has tapped into the Portuguese top flight, calling up defenders David Moreira (Gil Vicente) and Ivanildo Fernandes (Nacional). They are joined by Yuran Fernandes, who travels from Indonesia’s Persebaya Surabaya to bolster the backline.
In the heart of the pitch, Elson da Silva of Turkey’s Kasimpasa earns a spot, providing fresh energy for a midfield tasked with controlling the tempo against a resilient Liberia.
A Revamped Attack
Looking to solve the team’s scoring woes, the coaching staff introduced three new faces to the forward line. Derenseli Fernandes brings English experience from Huddersfield Town, while Leandro Andrade (Polissya, Ukraine) and Ieltsin Camões (Slask Wroclaw, Poland) have been brought in to provide clinical finishing.
Cape Verde will host Liberia in the capital city of Praia on November 13, before traveling to Monrovia for the return fixture on November 17. These matches are widely considered “must-win” scenarios for the Blue Sharks; both Cape Verde and Liberia currently sit at the bottom of Group K with zero points. Meanwhile, Mali and Rwanda lead the group with six points each. Only the top two teams will secure a spot in the 2027 tournament.
Cape Verde Squad List
- Goalkeepers: Carlos dos Santos (San Diego FC), Márcio da Rosa (UTA Arad), Vozinha (Colo-Colo).
- Defenders: Logan Costa (Villarreal), David Moreira (Gil Vicente), Diney (Sharjah), Ivanildo Fernandes (Nacional), Sidny Lopes Cabral (Trabzonspor), Wagner Pina (Trabzonspor), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Yuran Fernandes (Persebaya Surabaya).
- Midfielders: Deroy Duarte (Ludogorets), João Fernandes (Steaua Bucharest), Kevin Pina (FK Krasnodar), Djê Tavares (Santa Clara), Ayoni Santos (PSV Eindhoven), Elson da Silva (Kasimpasa), Jamiro Monteiro (NEC), Laros Duarte (Puskás FC).
- Forwards: Derenseli Fernandes (Huddersfield Town), Leandro Andrade (Polissya), Ryan Mendes (Renaissance de Berkane), Ieltsin Camões (Slask Wroclaw), Hélio Varela (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Nuno da Costa (Antalyaspor), Dailon Livramento (Verona).
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
