Qualification drama, no VAR, and a nation on the brink of history — Cape Verde’s dream now rests on one final match
Cape Verde’s historic bid to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup was dealt a heartbreaking blow after a dramatic and controversial 4–3 draw against Libya in the CAF qualifiers.
The Blue Sharks, who needed victory to seal qualification for the 2026 tournament, mounted a stunning late comeback from 3–1 down — only to see a potential injury-time winner ruled out for offside. Replays suggested the scorer was marginally onside, sparking outrage among players, coaches, and fans.
With no VAR technology used in African qualifiers, the referee’s call stood, denying Cape Verde the win that would have guaranteed their place at the finals. The bench and supporters erupted in fury, branding the decision “robbery” across social media, while pundits renewed calls for VAR to be standardised across all international competitions.
The chaotic qualifier began disastrously when defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes scored an own goal in the first minute. Telmo Arcanjo equalised, but Libya struck twice more through Ezoo El Mariamy and Mahmoud Al Shilw. Cape Verde clawed back through Sidny Cabral and Willy Semedo before the controversial 96th-minute incident.
The draw keeps Cape Verde top of Group D with 20 points, two ahead of Cameroon. They can still secure qualification with a win over Eswatini on Monday — a result that would make them the second-smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup, behind Iceland.