Cape Verde reaches 2026 World Cup: How did Praia react to ‘the biggest thing since independence’

Once the players and fans finally started to move away, the party shifted to a different venue, the Stadio da Varzia.

This was where independence was celebrated in 1975, and the Cape Verde national team also played its first World Cup qualifying match in 2000.

After crowds packed in to watch the match in the afternoon, the big screen was replaced by live music once evening arrived.

Like the players, many of the acts performed had diaspora connections and were transported specifically for the game.

Among them were two members of the Dutch hip-hop group Broederliefde, whose name appropriately translates to “brotherly love,” one of whom was the brother of Daylon Liveramento, Cape Verde’s top scorer in World Cup qualifiers.

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

The size of the gathering in the street outside had become so large that the police were struggling to keep traffic moving, even though no one really cared.

“I screamed a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I’m happy,” said Praia resident Jose Vieira, one of those lucky enough to get a ticket to attend the match.

Blue was the color, and national flags and replica team jerseys were everywhere.

The rhythmic beating of drums playing to samba and reggae rhythms was the soundtrack to the party in the streets along with the constant honking of car horns.

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

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