Cape Verde will be looking to get off to a flying start in Group C of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when they face hosts Central African Republic at the Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon on Wednesday afternoon, kick-off at 13h00GMT.
The Blue Sharks are looking to secure their first ever qualification to the sport’s global showpiece event, but are set to face stiff competition in their pool, especially from an Nigeria team that is determined to make seventh appearance in the tournament.
But before Pedro Leitão Brito’s team can worry about the threat of the Super Eagles, they must tackle a Central African Republic side which comes into the match full of confidence.
Brito admits that his Blue Sharks side will face a tough job in trying to secure passage to Qatar 2022 but reckons they are up for the challenge.
“You have to believe, have more and more affection for the team and the players. For our part, we are going to put everything we have at our fingertips for the improvement, more and more, of the national team”, Brito told Expresso das Ilhas.
Central African Republic played two build-up games against Rwanda in June but despite losing the two matches the team appeared strong and ready to shock Cape Verde.
In recent years, the Les Fauves have shown great character, rekindling memories of the 190s and ‘80s when they could go toe-to-toe with the continent’s best.
This match against Cape Verde is a chance to prove that they have reached those highs again and their head coach Raoul Savoy has warned the Blue Sharks of his side’s determination to make an impact in the 2021 qualifiers.
However, they will face this opening match without several key players led by captain Geoffrey Kondogbia who has shown his unwillingness to continue playing for the adopted nation.
Central African Republic have never qualified for a World Cup but coach Savoy will be looking to striker Arnaud Tattevin for inspiration.
Cape Verde made a request to the Confederation of African Football and FIFA for the match to be played in a neutral ground due to unrest in areas surrounding CAR’s capital of Bangui.
The other Group C match this week sees Nigeria host Liberia in Lagos on Thursday, September 2.