Libya 3-3 Cape Verde: The Blue Sharks' World Cup Dream Shattered by Controversial Offside Call
In a thrilling yet controversial match, Cape Verde's World Cup dreams were dashed by a contentious offside decision in injury time, resulting in a 3-3 draw against Libya.
With a win securing their place in the 2026 World Cup and making Cape Verde the second-smallest nation to participate, the Atlantic Ocean archipelago thought they had clinched a historic comeback. They were trailing 3-1 with 14 minutes to go, but a goal in the 96th minute seemed to secure a 4-3 victory.
However, the referee's whistle for offside just before the goal was scored, despite the player being marginally onside, sparked protests from the visiting bench. Without a video assistant referee in African qualifiers, the game ended in a draw.
Cape Verde remains atop Group D with 20 points, while Cameroon, with a superior goal difference, is second with 18 points. Cape Verde can still qualify for their first World Cup with a win against Eswatini on Monday.
The group winners are guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup, and the runners-up could advance to the African play-offs and potentially reach the intercontinental qualifier.
Libya, needing a win to keep their hopes alive, took an early lead through an own goal by Roberto 'Pico' Lopes in the 46th second. Telmo Arcanjo equalized in the 30th minute, and Ezoo El Mariamy restored Libya's lead before halftime.
Mahmoud Al Shilw's long-range free-kick gave Libya a 3-1 lead in the 58th minute, seemingly ending Cape Verde's hopes. However, a lapse in concentration by keeper Murad Al Wuheeshi allowed a goal, and Willy Semedo's close-range equalizer set up a dramatic finish.
Cape Verde had the best chances in stoppage time, with Semedo's header off the line and Nuno Da Costa's opportunity denied by Al Wuheesi. The offside call in the 96th minute, however, ended Libya's hopes of finishing second and qualifying via play-offs, while giving Cameroon, who won 2-0 in Mauritius, renewed hope.
