Ex-Cape Verde Star Pele: Our World Cup Run Shows We Can Challenge Africa’s Best

Former Cape Verde defender Pedro Miguel Cardoso Monteiro, known as Pele, praised his country’s debut at the 2026 World Cup. The Blue Sharks stunned Spain and Uruguay to draw 0-0 and 2-2, defying expectations in Group H. Pele believes this performance proves Cape Verde can now compete with Africa’s top teams at the Africa Cup of Nations and on the global stage. He highlighted their steady progress since reaching the AFCON quarterfinals in 2013 and 2023, and urged the squad to aim for regular World Cup appearances and an eventual AFCON title. He also expects Cape Verdean players to draw transfer interest after the tournament. Pele singled out veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, saying age is just a number for players who excel when it matters most.

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