Roberto Lopes handed first competitive start for Cape Verde's crucial Nations Cup qualifier with Cameroon

Lopes has been rewarded for his strong work at domestic with a first competitive start against the Indomitable Lions. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes has been handed his first competitive start for Cape Verde’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Cameroon this afternoon.

The centre-half made his bow for the Mediterranean nation in a friendly win over Togo in 2019 and was part of the squad for the two Cup of Nations qualifiers with Rwanda last year.

And he’s been rewarded for his strong showing at domestic level with a first competitive start against the Indomitable Lions.

Cape Verde face Mozambique in their final group game on Wednesday, and a win in either game will all but assure his side of a place at the finals in Cameroon next January.

The Crumlin native spoke to Extratime.com’s Macdara Ferris last week about his excitement ahead of the pivotal double-header.

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