Cape Verde beat Mauritania 1-0 in an electric encounter of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations played at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Monday.

Ryan Mendes scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to send the Blue Sharks into the Quarterfinals.

With Bebe leading the line, Cape Verde were expected to dominate and win the match with ease.

But the Lions of Chinguetti were a worthy opponent. It was Mauritania’s first AFCON knockout-stage match in history. The Lions of Chinguetti beat Algeria 1-0 last week for their first-ever win on their third appearance in the tournament.

Mauritania had chances in the game and they nearly took the lead. Souleymane Anne had a chance midway through the second half, but he was unable to make the most of Sidi Amar’s through ball.

An infringement in the box by Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Niasse who brought down Gilson Benchimol.

Mendes dispatched the penalty to send the Blue Sharks through to the Quarterfinals.