Antunes, Cape Verde plot Morocco´s downfall

Cape Verde will look to build on their opening draw against South Africa when they take on Morocco in Africa Cup of Nations Group A.

The islanders held the hosts to an encouraging goalless stalemate in the opening game of the tournament but will now face a Morocco side determined to get their first win of the competition.

Morocco also kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw in their match against Angola.

Cape Verde head coach Lucio Antunes believes the Blue Sharks can not only beat Morocco – who he called the best team in the group – but qualify for the quarter-finals on their tournament debut.

“The draw was good for us, good for the team,” he said.

“But I think it was better for the South Africa team, because the three great opportunities were from our team. Regarding the match against Morocco, we will be prepared the same way, with the same humility, the same organization and we’ll try win. Our team is going better, now we have to get points to try stay in the top two to get to the quarter-finals.

“I think we’ll face the best team in the group, that is Morocco.

“I think there’s a lot of euphoria, but we know our real capacity, the value of our team, the value of the opponents. Let’s face the game with respect, without fear, always playing to score and if we can win, it will be even better. Regarding the next stage, our target is to grow the team. We will do our best to grow day by day and in the end we do the maths.”