Prediction Mauritius vs Cape Verde Islands 2026 – Betting Tips for the CAF World Cup Qualifiers on 04/09/2025

Match preview

Mauritius welcome Cape Verde Islands in what promises to be a cagey but compelling Group Stage fixture in the 2026 CAF World Cup Qualifiers. The formlines tell two different stories: Mauritius arrive on a streak of low-scoring stalemates and frustrating draws, while Cape Verde come equipped with more cutting edge and a string of clean sheets that suggests they are capable of squeezing results out of tight games. The recent history between the sides is fresh — Cape Verde took a 1-0 victory over Mauritius in March — and that slender margin could be the blueprint for what unfolds when these two meet again.

Form and key numbers

Mauritius' recent results are packed with draws: a run including three consecutive 0-0s and a 3-3 thriller underlines a team that is hard to break down at times but struggles to finish chances consistently. Statistically, their attacking output is modest — only six or so shots on average per game and just two goals scored at home in the dataset — while conceding has been an occasional problem away from home. Cape Verde, by contrast, have managed more volume and efficiency in attack: 60 total shots, 22 on target, and five away goals recorded in this sample. Their conversion rate and a defensive record that boasts multiple clean sheets make them the more reliable outfit on paper.

Tactical nuance will matter. Mauritius' recent tendency to grind out draws means they will likely aim to keep this match tight and frustrate the visitors. Cape Verde have shown they can win away from home and protect leads, which suggests they may approach this with discipline rather than expansive risk-taking. The head-to-head shows Cape Verde edged the last meeting 1-0, a narrow scoreline that highlights how small margins could decide this clash.

What to expect

Expect a match that prioritizes structure and defensive organisation, with both teams wary of exposing themselves to counter-attacks. Mauritius will press for opportunities but often find themselves in low-scoring affairs; Cape Verde have the sharper finishing and defensive resilience to nick a result. Set-pieces and moments of individual quality could be decisive, but the overall pattern points to limited goals rather than an open shootout.

Betting suggestion: Cape Verde Islands to win (1X2). Based on Cape Verde’s superior recent winning record, higher shot volume and clean-sheet frequency, the most sensible market from the available data is backing an away victory.