Cape Verde Ends Workday at 3 PM to Support National Team

In a historic move, Cape Verde has shifted its workday schedule to support its national football team. On Monday, the Cape Verdean team, known as the Blue Sharks, will face Eswatini in a critical match as part of the World Cup qualifiers for Africa.
Cape Verde’s Crucial Match
The match is scheduled for 6 PM, and it represents a milestone opportunity for Cape Verde. Currently leading Group D, the team has a two-point advantage over Cameroon. A win is essential for them to secure a spot in their first-ever World Cup, set to take place next year in the Americas.
Government Support for Football
To galvanize support, President José Maria Neves has declared a special day for fans. Citizens can leave work early at 3 PM to watch the game. This initiative aims to boost morale and encourage attendance, as the game is deemed crucial for the nation.
Potential World Cup Qualification
If victorious, Cape Verde will join five other African nations—Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Ghana—at the tournament. The excitement among the fanbase is palpable, especially after a recent draw against Libya where the team conceded a last-minute equalizer.
Community Participation
Approximately 8,000 supporters are expected to rally around the Blue Sharks at the match. They play a vital role in encouraging the team to seize this opportunity. If the team fails to win, they must depend on Cameroon to lose against Angola for a chance to qualify.
- Date of Match: Monday, 6 PM
- Team: Cape Verde vs. Eswatini
- Current Group Position: 1st in Group D
- Essential Outcome: A win for World Cup qualification
The nation eagerly awaits the outcome of this defining match, as it could mark a new chapter in its football history.