Praia — Cape Verde have announced a 26-man squad for their crucial double-header against Liberia as they look to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Head coach Humberto Bettencourt has made several changes to his selection, with seven players either earning their first call-up under him or returning after a period away from the national team.
The Blue Sharks will host Liberia on 13 November before travelling to Monrovia for the return fixture on 17 November.
Experienced players such as goalkeeper Vozinha, defender Logan Costa, winger Ryan Mendes and midfielder Jamiro Monteiro have been included.
Other notable selections include Trabzonspor duo Sidny Lopes Cabral and Wagner Pina, as well as Leandro Andrade, Dailon Livramento, Hélio Varela and Nuno da Costa.
Among the returning players are David Moreira, Ivanildo Fernandes, Yuran Fernandes, Elson Mendes, Leandro Andrade and Ieltsin Camões. Dutch-born winger Derensili Fernandes is also included.
However, veteran defender Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, Diney Borges, Garry Rodrigues, Jovane Cabral, Gilson Benchimol and Willy Semedo are among those left out.
Cape Verde squad for Liberia double-header
Goalkeepers
• Carlos dos Santos
• Márcio da Rosa
• Josimar Dias (Vozinha)
Defenders
• Logan Costa
• David Moreira
• Edilson Borges (Diney)
• Sidny Lopes Cabral
• Wagner Pina
• Steven Moreira
• João Paulo Fernandes
• Yuran Fernandes
• Ivanildo Fernandes
Midfielders
• Deroy Duarte
• Kevin Pina
• José Tavares (Dje)
• Ayoni Santos
• Elson Mendes
• Jamiro Monteiro
• Laros Duarte
Forwards
• Dailon Livramento
• Derensili Fernandes
• Leandro Andrade
• Ryan Mendes
• Ieltsin Camões
• Hélio Varela
• Nuno da Costa
Cape Verde face must-win fixtures
Cape Verde have endured a difficult start to their Group K qualifying campaign, losing 3-1 to Mali before suffering a 2-1 defeat against Rwanda.
The results have left the Blue Sharks without a point after two matches, level with Liberia at the bottom of the group. Mali and Rwanda lead the standings with six points each.
The November fixtures therefore represent an important opportunity for Bettencourt's men to get their campaign back on track. They will need positive results in both meetings to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON finals alive.
