Tears and heartbreak as Blue Sharks bow out

It was all tears and heartbreak as Cape Verde bid farewell to the Orange Africa Cup of Nations Equatorial Guinea 2015 under bizarre circumstances of not tasting a defeat.

The Islanders drew all three games including a barren draw against Zambia in their final Group B match last Monday in Ebebiyin, a result that ensured the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia and the Leopards of DR Congo go through to the quarters despite also playing out a 1-1 draw in the other fixture in Bata.

Earlier, they had drawn 1-1 with Tunisia and barren with DR Congo.

Tunisia topped the group with five points with DR Congo and Cape Verde in that order with three points apiece, but the Congolese advanced on the background of having scored twice in the competition against one by the Cabo Verdeans. Zambia, winners in 2012 for the successive time failed to go past the group stage.

It was however a difficult moment for the Islanders as the players and officials were left in tears on the soggy pitch at the Estadio de Ebebiyin after knowledge of the outcome of the other deciding fixture in Bata between Tunisia and DR Congo became public.

It was so emotional for the Blue Sharks who reached the quarters on their maiden appearance two years ago in South Africa such that midfielder Heldon Ramos sobbed throughout the presentation of the Samsung Fair Player of the Match award prize to him.

Even coach Rui Aguas was not left out of the emotional atmosphere which resulted in broken voices at the post-match press conference.

“What can I say! I’m very sad and disappointed with the result but not the performance of my players. We missed a lot of chances in all three games. They (players) gave their 100-per cent, but football is like this.

“Zambia and us were the best teams in this group and many expected us to go through. Three draws, no defeat, no wins,” a result which Aguas claims favoured Italy during one of their World Cup campaigns.

“We could have done better. The players gave their maximum best in all the games. One goal makes a difference. Football is unfair and can be cruel sometimes. Unfortunately it was our turn today.”

Tunisia will face hosts Equatorial Guinea in the quarters whilst DR Congo faces Congo in the other fixture.