Cape Verde’s national football team received a rousing welcome from tens of thousands of jubilant supporters after returning home from a historic FIFA World Cup campaign.
The Blue Sharks arrived in the capital, , on Sunday after their remarkable journey ended with a spirited defeat to defending champions in the knockout stage.
Supporters turned the airport into a sea of celebration, beating drums, dancing, singing, and waving Cape Verdean flags as they welcomed the players home.
Goalkeeper , one of the tournament’s standout performers, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception.
“It is a very great moment for us to be here with our people. We wanted something bigger, but we didn’t go to the next stage. Now we just enjoy the moment and celebrate with our people,” he said while wearing a white T-shirt bearing his country’s name.
One supporter said she attended the homecoming to thank the Blue Sharks for making the nation proud. Cape Verde, the second-smallest country ever to compete at the World Cup, exceeded expectations in its tournament debut by standing toe-to-toe with established football powers such as and Uruguay.
Fans loudly chanted the names of Vozinha and defender , while players took time to sign shirts and pose for photographs with supporters.
The celebrations coincided with Cape Verde’s Independence Day, marking 51 years since the country gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
Ranked 67th in the world before the tournament, Cape Verde stunned many observers by earning three group-stage draws, including a memorable 0-0 result against European champions Spain, to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
They pushed Argentina to the limit in a dramatic last-16 encounter. After falling behind to a goal from , Cape Verde equalised to force extra time. They again fought back after conceding, with scoring a stunning leveller. However, their dream run ended when a header from deflected off and into the net, sending Argentina through.
Despite the heartbreaking exit, head coach said he was immensely proud of his players, who came within minutes of taking the world champions to a penalty shootout.
“We showed that we may be a small country, but we can play against the best teams in the world,” Bubista said. “That is a reason for pride.”
