Cape Verde Islands 1-0 Cameroon Player Ratings: Livramento 8.5/10 Rated as the Home Side Secures a Shocking 1-0 Win

Cape Verde Islands pulled off a memorable 1-0 victory against a much-fancied Cameroon side. The match, which took place at an Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde, was decided by a single, clinical strike in the second half. This was a classic case of tactical discipline triumphing over individual talent. The first half was a tight, tactical battle. Neither team wanted to give an inch, resulting in a goalless stalemate at the break. What stood out to us was Cape Verde's organization; they completely nullified Cameroon's attacking threats. The game's pivotal moment arrived in the 54th minute when Dailon Rocha Livramento found the back of the net, sending the home supporters into raptures.

Despite bringing on several substitutes, Cameroon couldn't find a way back into this match. They looked disjointed and frustrated, a far cry from the formidable team we expected to see. Cape Verde, on the other hand, managed the game expertly to secure a massive three points in their qualification campaign. Here are the Cape Verde Islands vs Cameroon player ratings.

Cameroon Player Ratings vs Cape Verde Islands

Here are the Cameroon player ratings.

Goalkeeper

André Onana - 5.0: A really disappointing day for the keeper. He was caught flat-footed for the goal by Livramento. From our viewpoint, a keeper of his caliber should have done better there. He wasn't tested much otherwise, but that single moment was crucial and he failed to deliver. It just felt like he wasn't fully switched on.

Defenders

Christopher Wooh - 5.5: Looked rash and picked up a silly yellow card for a bad foul. He struggled to contain the movement of Cape Verde's attackers and seemed a step off the pace. He was eventually substituted late in the game, which was probably the right call. A performance he will want to forget quickly.

Nouhou - 6.0: Probably the most stable of the backline, but that isn't saying much. He did his defensive duties without any major errors. However, he offered very little going forward to help break down a stubborn opposition.

Enzo Boyomo - 5.5: Like his defensive partner, Wooh, he also found his way into the referee's book. He was caught out of position a few times and looked uncomfortable. It was a tough outing for the defender, who was part of a unit that just never looked settled.

Midfielders

Jackson Tchatchoua - 6.0: Played the full match but was largely anonymous. He covered ground but lacked any real influence on the proceedings. We noticed he failed to make any decisive passes or break the lines. Just another player who couldn't impose his will on the game.

Georges-Kevin N'Koudou - 6.0: Was supposed to provide the X-factor but was largely ineffective. He was hooked after 68 minutes, having failed to create any clear-cut chances. We expected more from him, but he was easily handled by the Cape Verde defence.

Frank Anguissa - 6.0: A very quiet game by his high standards. We were waiting for him to grab the game by the scruff of the neck, but it never happened. He couldn't dictate the tempo from midfield and was often bypassed. A surprisingly subdued performance from Cameroon's main man.

Carlos Baleba - 6.5: One of the few bright sparks, if you can call it that. He showed energy and desire throughout the 90 minutes. He tried to drive the team forward, but his efforts were not matched by his teammates. A decent individual display in a poor team performance.

Martin Hongla - 5.5: Another midfielder who was a passenger for most of the match. He was substituted in the second half after failing to make any impact. He looked lost at times, unable to contribute defensively or offensively.

Bryan Mbeumo - 6.0: A hugely disappointing outing for the attacker. He was expected to be Cameroon's biggest threat, but was kept completely quiet. He looked frustrated and was eventually substituted. A testament to Cape Verde's excellent defensive work.

Forwards

V. Aboubakar - 6.0: The captain was isolated up front and cut a lonely figure. He received poor service and had no real sights of the goal. He tried to make things happen, but was battling a lost cause. His substitution was a sign of a frustrating day for the entire attack.

Substitutes

Christian Bassogog - N/A: Came on for Aboubakar but had little time or opportunity to influence the result.

Jean-Charles Castelletto - N/A: A late defensive change that didn't matter in the end.

Nicolas Ngamaleu - N/A: Brought on for Mbeumo but the game was already gone.

Manager

M. Brys - 5.0: His team looked devoid of ideas and tactical direction. The attacking plan was nonexistent, and the players looked confused. His substitutions failed to change the flow of the game. A very poor day at the office for the manager.

Cape Verde Islands Player Ratings vs Cameroon

Here are the Cape Verde Islands player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Vozinha - 7.0: Vozinha didn't have a huge number of saves to make, but his command of the area was excellent. He kept a deserved clean sheet and did everything asked of him with confidence. A solid and reliable performance between the sticks.

Defenders

Diney - 7.5: A rock at the back. He was strong in the tackle and read the game brilliantly. He did pick up a yellow card, but it was a small blemish on an otherwise commanding defensive display that kept Cameroon's stars quiet.

Roberto Lopes - 7.5: Marshalled the defence with real authority. He was instrumental in organizing the backline and ensuring there were no gaps for Cameroon to exploit. Lopes completely nullified the threat of Aboubakar.

João Paulo Moreira Fernandes - 7.0: A very disciplined and effective performance. He stuck to his tasks diligently for the full 90 minutes. His positioning was excellent, and he gave the Cameroonian attackers no room to breathe.

Steven Moreira - 6.5: He received an early yellow card, which could have been a problem, but he managed his game superbly after that. He remained disciplined and didn't put a foot wrong defensively. A mature and composed performance under pressure.

Midfielders

Kevin Lenini - 7.0: An absolute workhorse in the middle of the park. He never stopped running, breaking up play and frustrating the Cameroonian midfield. His energy was infectious and vital to his team's success.

Yannick Semedo - 6.5: Provided great support for his midfield partners. He was industrious and key to maintaining the team's solid defensive shape before he was substituted. A selfless and disciplined display for the team.

Telmo Arcanjo - 6.0: He had a quiet first half and was taken off at halftime. Arcanjo didn't do anything particularly wrong, but the tactical switch proved to be effective.

Ryan Mendes - 7.0: The captain led by example with his tireless work rate. He was a constant nuisance to the opposition defence before being substituted. His leadership on the pitch was evident throughout his time on it.

Forwards

Jovane Cabral - 6.5: Looked lively and dangerous in his 52 minutes on the pitch. His pace and movement caused some problems for the Cameroon backline. While he didn't score, his contribution was positive.

Dailon Rocha Livramento - 8.5: The hero and our Man of the Match. He was a threat throughout and took his goal with supreme confidence. It was a clinical finish that proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Substitutes

Jamiro Monteiro - 7.0: Came on at halftime and helped solidify the midfield even further.

Willy Semedo - 6.5: Added fresh legs and continued to press the opposition.

Hélio Varela - 6.5: Helped see out the game with a disciplined cameo.

Heriberto Tavares - N/A: A late substitute to run down the clock.

Manager

P. Leitão Brito - 8.0: A tactical masterclass from the Cape Verde manager. His team was perfectly organized, disciplined, and took their one big chance. He completely out-thought his counterpart. A well-deserved victory that was born on the training ground.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Dailon Rocha Livramento