Cabo Verde 1
Cameroon 1
Shamrock Rovers defender Pico Lopes was named man of the match as Cabo Verde all but secured a spot in the last 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Crumlin man was awarded the tournament’s official best player gong following a stern defensive effort that should see them qualify as one of the best third-placed sides.
A second half goal from striker Garry Rodrigues was enough to secure a draw and third place in Group A for the island nation.
The tournament’s top scorer, Vincent Aboubakar, had set the hosts on course for three wins from three with a strike just before half time.
Olympiacos sharpshooter Rodrigues struck Cabo Verde level eight minutes into the second half, however, and Cabo Verde held out for the draw with ease.
They will now face an anxious wait as the remaining five groups are completed and they find out if they’ve managed to finish as one of the four best-placed third-placed teams.
Burkina Faso’s draw with Ethiopia was enough to seal the former second spot and automatic qualification on goal difference following last week’s win over Cabo Verde.
While Cameroon pushed for a winner late on, the draw will suit both sides after they had each beaten the other once during qualification for the tournament.
As the home team, Cameroon began on the front foot and went close when Desty Moukoudi, one of three fresh faces in the Indomitable Lions XI, headed wide within the opening minute.
Aboubakar could have given his side the lead on the half hour as he was played through on goal but he found Vozinha equal to his effort.
There was nothing to experienced keeper could do on 39 minutes as Aboubakar met Moukoudi’s header with a sweetly-struck left-footed volley that rippled the net.
The former Porto striker’s fifth goal in three games leaves him far and away the tournament’s top scorer so far, albeit with an extra game played.
It wasn’t enough to seal a 100% tournament record for the host country, however, as Cape Verde struck back early in the second half.
Rodrigues was introduced for Lisandro Semedo at the break and took just eight minutes to get on the scoresheet with a spectacular finish.
Patrick Andrade picked out the run of Kenny Rocha with a quick ball over the top and the striker pulled it back for the arriving Rodrigues, who backheeled the ball past André Onana.
Cameroon piled the pressure on the Cabo Verde as they sought a winner but found Lopes and captain Stopira a near-impenetrable force at the back.
Aboubakar’s finishing let him down for once late on, while Clinton N’Jie and Samuel Gouet forced Vozinha into simple saves before the humidity and pressure saw the game peter out.
