Cape Verde Must Wait for World Cup After Controversial Offside

Cape Verde missed the chance to seal a historic World Cup qualification after a controversial offside call in injury time denied them a thrilling comeback win against Libya.

Needing a win to book their place at the 2026 finals and become the second-smallest nation to appear at the tournament, Cape Verde thought they had won 4-3 with a goal in the sixth minute of added time, completing a comeback from 3-1 behind with 14 minutes to go.

However, just before the ball crossed the line after a four-on-one break, the referee blew for offside, despite the scorer appearing marginally onside when the pass was played.

The visiting bench erupted in protest, but with no Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in operation for African qualifiers, Cape Verde had to settle for a draw.

The result leaves Cape Verde top of Group D on 20 points, with Cameroon second on 18 points but with a superior goal difference. The islanders can still qualify for their first World Cup with a win against Eswatini on Monday.

Group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup, while the second-placed side could reach the African play-offs for a chance at the final intercontinental qualifier.

Libya, needing victory to keep their hopes alive, went ahead inside 46 seconds when Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes deflected Fadel Mansour’s cross into his own net. Telmo Arcanjo headed an equaliser on the half-hour mark, before Ezoo El Mariamy restored Libya’s lead three minutes before halftime with a rebound goal.

Cape Verde appeared out of contention when Mahmoud Al Shilw scored an incredible long-range free-kick off the underside of the crossbar in the 58th minute to make it 3-1.

The Mediterranean Knights threatened to extend their lead as Saif Jaddour and El Mariamy hit the woodwork, while Mohammed Soulah was denied by Blue Sharks goalkeeper Vozinha.

Cape Verde were gifted a lifeline in the 76th minute when goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi misjudged a long ball, allowing Sidny Cabral’s effort to dribble through his legs into the net. Six minutes later, Willy Semedo levelled from close range after Libya failed to clear a cross, setting up a frantic finale.

Cape Verde came closest to snatching a sensational victory, creating three chances in the seven minutes of stoppage time. Semedo had a header cleared off the line, and Nuno Da Costa was denied by the goalkeeper after a potential tap-in. Then came the offside controversy in the 96th minute.

The result ends Libya’s hopes of finishing second and qualifying via play-offs due to their inferior goal difference, but keeps Cameroon in contention after second-half goals from Moumi Ngamaleu and Bryan Mbeumo gave the Indomitable Lions a 2-0 win in Mauritius.

Cape Verde host Eswatini in the final group game on Monday, while Cameroon host Angola, with both matches kicking off at 16:00 GMT.