The girls of Cape Verde, ready for their first WAFCON, are preparing to write history. The strength of the diaspora and the experiences of the players will be decisive in this adventure.
The Cape Verde diaspora protagonist at WAFCON 2026
According to Sports.
Context
Sandra Soares-Martins, who made her debut for the Cape Verdean national team last October, has already proven her worth with a decisive goal during qualifying. Her experience in European clubs and her competitive spirit will be crucial to face the challenges of WAFCON and to inspire the next generation of female footballers in Cape Verde.
Why it matters
Cape Verde's participation in WAFCON 2026 represents a crucial moment for women's football on the island, marking a significant step in its growth and international visibility. The presence of players like Sandra Soares-Martins and Alivia Kelly, with different experiences and a strong connection with the diaspora, is essential to inspire young Cape Verdean athletes and promote women's football in the country.
Key points
- The Cape Verde diaspora protagonist at WAFCON 2026.
- The girls of Cape Verde, ready for their first WAFCON, are preparing to write history.
- Cape Verde's diaspora takes center stage at WAFCON 2026 - Yahoo Sports.
In the Cape Verdean Creole language, the word 'Briu' can mean grit, determination, energy. This is how national footballer Sandra Soares-Martins describes the climate inside the retreat, as her team prepares for the first match in history at WAFCON. Cape Verdean women's football has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, and the term 'briu' could also fit perfectly with the Cape Verdean Football Federation. While the men's team made history by participating in their first World Cup, now it's the women's turn to try to write their own chapter.
The tournament, which marks the expansion from 12 to 16 teams, began in Morocco on July 26, after a postponement from March. Cape Verde clinched its place after winning against Guinea and Mali in two matches. Silvéria Nédio's team is in Group D, together with Ghana, World Cup veterans Cameroon and Mali, also among the beneficiaries of the expansion.
At the heart of the Cape Verde countryside are Soares-Martins and Alivia Kelly, both with unique life paths. Soares-Martins started playing football at just six years old, combining his passion with natural talent. After experiences in Portugal and England, where he played for various teams, he made his debut with the Cape Verdean national team last October, contributing a decisive goal in the qualification.
Kelly, on the other hand, has Cape Verdean origins but grew up in the United States, where she played at university level. His professional career began in 2024 with Wellington Phoenix in Australia. Both players attribute the national team's success to the Cape Verdean diaspora, which has seen the arrival of athletes from all over the world, ready to contribute their experiences.
The two footballers feel part of a historic moment. “It is a great responsibility for us to honor those who came before us and build a future for generations to come,” says Soares-Martins. Kelly agrees, underlining the importance of long-term investment by the federation to help develop women's football in the country.
WAFCON 2026 is not only an opportunity to shine, but also a tournament that serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The semi-finalists will enter directly, while the losers of the quarter-finals will compete for two places in the FIFA qualifying tournament. The girls of Cape Verde are ready to fight to get through the group, with the aim of writing another chapter in the football history of their country. Soares-Martins is optimistic: "Our chances are good, but we know we are the outsiders." Kelly is also aware of the challenge, but firmly believes that any team can win on any day.
If Cape Verde manages to qualify, it will probably have to face reigning champions such as Nigeria or Barbra Banda's Zambia in the quarter-finals. However, the air of optimism is palpable. "Nothing is impossible. If men's soccer can do it, why shouldn't we?" concludes Soares-Martins with determination. Qualifying for WAFCON represents a starting point, and the players hope to inspire a new generation of female footballers in Cape Verde as they prepare to take to the field for their historic first match.
What happens now
With the tournament having already started, Cape Verde will face strong teams such as Ghana and Cameroon in Group D. The performances of Soares-Martins and Kelly will be crucial to the team's success, and each match will represent an opportunity to make history and demonstrate the potential of Cape Verde women's football on the international stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does WAFCON 2026 start?
WAFCON 2026 started on July 26.
What is the Cape Verdean group in WAFCON?
Cape Verde is in Group D, together with Ghana, Cameroon and Mali.
Who are the main players of the Cape Verde team?
The main players of the Cape Verde team are Sandra Soares-Martins and Alivia Kelly.
How did Cape Verde qualify for WAFCON?
Cape Verde qualified by winning against Guinea and Mali in two matches.
What is the meaning of the word 'Briu' in the context of Cape Verdean football?
In the Cape Verdean Creole language, 'Briu' means grit, determination and energy.
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