Cape Verde - Mozambique predictions and free betting tips [19/01/2024]

Today, the second round of Group B features teams from Cape Verde and Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cape Verde team

In the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cape Verde's team sensationally defeated Ghana 2:1. The match kicked off with a goal by Monteiro in the 17th minute, giving Cape Verde an early lead. Ghana managed to level the score thanks to Djiku's effort in the 56th minute after an assist from Jordan Ayew. However, a last-minute goal from Garry Rodrigues of Ankaragücü in the 91st minute gifted Cape Verde the victory. The Cape Verdean team dominated the key statistical parameters, including ball possession (54%) and shots on target (5 versus Ghana's 1), succinctly earning their victory.

This mature team is playing in the tournament for the second consecutive time under the guidance of coach Bubista. Notable players are Mendes and Rodrigues, as well as former Manchester United player Bébé currently playing for Rayo Vallecano and Jovane Cabral from Salernitana, who are mainly flank attackers. In the defence, a promising player is centre-back Logan Costa, who scored a brace for Toulouse in the French Cup final.

However, Cape Verde's recent matches leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations have not gone as planned. On the 10th of January 2024, they lost to Tunisia 2:0 in a friendly match. In the World Cup qualifiers, on the 21st of November 2023 they defeated Eswatini 2:0, and on the 16th of November 2023 they drew 0:0 with Angola.

Mozambique Team

Mozambique's team fiercely snatched points from Egypt in the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations, finishing with a 2:2 draw. Mozambique scored both their goals, taking advantage of their only two shots on target. The team conceded a goal from Mostafa Mohamed right at the start, but between the 55th to 58th minutes they turned the game around: scoring their first goal in the 55th minute, and Bauke putting Mozambique ahead on the 58th. However, in the 94th minute, Mozambique conceded a penalty converted by Salah. The team had only 6 attempts, 2 on target, indicating they were somewhat fortunate, while Egypt struggled on the attack.

Considering the squad and their results, Mozambique is the obvious underdog in their group. The team's main star is Atletico's left-back Reinildo, and Sporting's Geny Catamo also stands out in attack. The rest of the names in the lineup are not well known to the wider audience.
Mozambique's most recent matches leading up to the Africa Cup of Nations have also shown diverse results. On the 8th of January 2024, the team drew 1:1 with Botswana, and on the 6th of January 2024 they beat Lesotho 2:0 in a friendly match. In the World Cup qualifiers for 2026, on the 19th of November 2023, Mozambique lost to Algeria 0:2, but on the 16th of November 2023 they beat Botswana 3:2.

Head-to-Head 

The teams last met in the qualifying round for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and Cape Verde was stronger, winning 1:0. In 2019, they drew 1:1.

Prediction for the Cape Verde - Mozambique match

Mozambique was really fortunate to snatch points from Egypt, scoring 2 goals arguably against the run of play, as Cape Verde confidently defeated a strongly named Ghana. My bet is on a victory for the nominal hosts in the Africa Cup of Nations.