Cape Verde reach 2026 World Cup: How Praia reacted to ‘biggest thing since independence’

Once players and fans finally began drifting away, the party switched to a different venue, the Estadio da Varzea.

It was here where independence was celebrated in 1975 and where Cape Verde played their very first World Cup qualifiers back in 2000.

Packed with supporters watching the match in the afternoon, the big screen was replaced with live music once evening arrived.

Like the players, many acts performing had connections to the diaspora and had flown in specially for the game.

That included two members of the Dutch hip-hop act Broederliefde, whose name translates fittingly as ‘brotherly love’, one of whom is the brother of Dailon Livramento, Cape Verde’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying.

Crowds also gathered outside the players’ hotel, waiting for their heroes to wave from the building’s balconies.

The size of the gathering on the street outside became so big that police were struggling to keep traffic moving, although no-one really seemed to care.

“I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy,” said Praia resident Jose Vieira, one of those lucky enough to have had a ticket for the game.

Blue was the colour, with national flags and replica team jerseys everywhere.

The rhythmic pounding of drums producing samba and reggae beats soundtracked the party on the streets alongside the constant honking of car horns.

“I feel incredibly happy,” said taxi driver Maximo Gomes.

“Yes, it is the biggest event since independence. The President said this and it is how the people feel.”