Cape Verde scores historic first goal in 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw with Uruguay

Cape Verde scored its first goal in World Cup history during a thrilling 2-2 draw against Uruguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The African nation's historic moment came in the 21st minute when Kevin Pina netted a spectacular free-kick from about 30 meters out, giving Cape Verde a surprising 1-0 lead.

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At the end of the day we got over the line. I don’t feel like there was any point in time where we felt we weren’t going to get the runs.

Uruguay, however, responded before halftime. Maxi Araujo equalized with a header in the 44th minute, and Agustin Canobbio put Marcelo Bielsa's team ahead in first-half stoppage time. The first half concluded with Uruguay leading 2-1.

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Yes, we lost five wickets but we were still in a very comfortable position during the innings and I certainly feel if we are batting the way we are now and getting over the line, when we have some of our batters peaking at the right time it might be good for us.

The second half saw Cape Verde fight back. Helio Varela found the net in the 59th minute, leveling the score at 2-2 after Uruguay's goalkeeper Muslera was caught out of position. Başakşehir's Nuno da Costa was substituted into the match for Cape Verde in the 59th minute.

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The wicket definitely felt like it had a bit of tennis ball bounce early on. Really good that we got to go out and bowl and take advantage of that.

Neither team could find a winning goal, and the match ended in a 2-2 tie. Both Uruguay and Cape Verde now have 2 points in Group H. Uruguay is set to face Spain in the final group stage match, while Cape Verde will play Saudi Arabia. In another group match, Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0.

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Looking at the line-up of Sri Lanka, they do have a lot of left-handers within their side and we felt someone like Ashmini could make a massive difference with her off-spin. She came in and performed wonderfully.