With matchday six of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in full swing, Cape Verde have the opportunity to overtake Burkina Faso at the top of group B when they take on Togo at Stade De Kegue on Sunday evening.

Kick-off is at 6:00pm (SA, GMT+2)

Cape Verde faced Burkina Faso in their first Afcon qualifier back in June last year and subsequently recorded a 2-0 defeat on away soil.

Thereafter, the Blue Sharks went on an unbeaten run that included three wins and one draw as they booked their place in next year’s showpiece.

Currently level on points with Burkina Faso (10) in second place, a win could see Cape Verde claim top spot in group B, provided Burkina Faso drop points against Eswatini on Friday night.

In what will be only the third game between the two nations, Cape Verde hold the advantage as far as the head-to-head record is concerned, bagging two wins in two games in all competitions.

Also, Cape Verde recorded a 2-0 win over Togo in the most recent matchup, as goals by Julio Tavares and Jamiro Monteiro were enough to secure maximum points in the Afcon qualifier.

On the other hand, Togo have had a less-than-desirable form sheet during their Afcon qualifying period in group B.

After five matches played, Togo recorded two draws and two losses, as they failed to qualify for the 2023 Afcon.

However, as a slight glimmer of hope, Togo recorded a 2-0 away win against Eswatini in their last Afcon qualifier, as Ahoueke Denkey and Euloge Placca got their names on the scoresheet at the Mbombela Stadium.

DUARTE HAS HIS SAY

With Togo bowing out, coach Paulo Duarte described the game against Cape Verde as ‘very important’ as they look to prepare for the future.

“This game is more important to me,” Duarte said.

“Winning is very important to prepare for the future and to work on the psychology of the players. Give the public everything it deserves. For the public, it is to see his team win at home.

“And that, for me, is priority number 1. Showing the public that our elimination is not the true reality of the quality of the football we play on the pitch. We’re not going to miss this chance to please our audience yet.”