Rui Águas Appointed Cape Verde National Team Coach Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers
BBC Sport – African Football
Cape Verde has appointed Rui Águas as the new head coach of the national team, just one month ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The Portuguese manager replaces Lucio Antunes, who left the post eight months ago to take charge of Angolan top-flight side Progresso de Sambizanga.
Águas, 54, has signed a two-year contract with the Cape Verdean Football Federation and will be tasked with not only securing qualification for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco but also surpassing the achievements of his predecessor. Antunes famously led the Blue Sharks to the quarter-finals of the 2013 tournament, marking the nation’s first appearance at a major continental competition.
The new coach inherits a side with growing international experience but one that recently missed out on the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Cape Verde was disqualified in the final round of African qualifying after fielding an ineligible player against Tunisia, despite winning the match on the pitch.
Águas, a former Portugal international and son of Benfica legend José Águas, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. Known for his tactical acumen and calm leadership, he now faces the challenge of building on Cape Verde’s impressive rise in African football over the past decade.
Last February, Beto had been briefly appointed as interim coach following Antunes’ departure, but the federation has now opted for a more permanent solution as it eyes continued progress on the continental stage.
With the qualifiers looming, Águas has limited time to settle into his new role and assess the squad, but expectations remain high. Cape Verde’s recent success has elevated the team’s profile, and supporters will be hoping the new coach can guide the Blue Sharks to another historic performance in Morocco.
