A late-game penalty converted by Ryan Mendes in the 88th minute was the difference as Cape Verde booked a thrilling 1-0 victory over Mauritania, sending the Blue Sharks' AFCON dreams crashing down in the Round of 16. The match started as a cagey affair, with Cape Verde dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances against a resolute Mauritania side making their first-ever knockout stage appearance at the AFCON. Both teams had their moments in the opening half, but neither goalkeeper was truly tested, and the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 at the break. The second half saw Cape Verde push even harder for the breakthrough, having already dispatched AFCON giants Egypt and Ghana in the group stage. However, Mauritania stood firm, frustrating the Blue Sharks' attacking advances and keeping the game goalless. With the clock ticking down and extra time looming, it all seemed to be heading for extra 30 minutes. But then, in the 87th minute, disaster struck for Mauritania. A misplaced back pass was intercepted by the Cape Verde attack, and a quick burst of pace saw the attacker brought down inside the box by the Mauritanian goalkeeper. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Ryan Mendes, the experienced winger who has been a talisman for Cape Verde throughout the tournament. He coolly sent Babacar Niasse, the Mauritanian goalkeeper who had been in inspired form all game, the wrong way, slotting the penalty home to send the Blue Sharks fans into raptures. Cape Verde's impressive run continues, and they will now face either Morocco or South Africa in the quarterfinals, their dream journey in Côte d'Ivoire showing no signs of stopping.