By Samuel Akpan
Amid emotional scenes at Miami Stadium, veteran Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha produced a match-winning display to earn his nation a famous 2-2 draw with Uruguay in the ongoing 2026 World Cup, as his long-awaited mother watched from the stands.
The 40-year-old had broken down in tears just six days earlier after starring in a 0-0 draw against Spain.
Named player of the match for that milestone result, Vozinha could not hide his sadness that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, had been unable to travel due to visa delays and steep costs.
A viral fundraising drive quickly gathered the required money. Influential voices, including U.S. congressional leader Hakeem Jeffries, intervened to expedite her visa approval.
Upon landing in Florida, she received a personal welcome from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Draped in her country’s flag, Evora took her seat among 64,003 fans on Father’s Day, her nerves evident as she expressed overwhelming pride in her son and the Cape Verdean team.
Buoyed by her support, the Blue Sharks took the fight to the two-time champions.
Midfielder Kevin Pina wrote history with a stunning 34-yard direct free-kick, marking Cape Verde’s first-ever goal at a World Cup finals.
Uruguay hit back before the break. Maximiliano Araújo headed home from a rebound to level, and Agustín Canobbio fired the South Americans in front during stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Cape Verde showed remarkable resilience.
Hélio Varela capitalized on a mix-up in the Uruguayan defense to slide in the equalizer and make it 2-2.
The hosts pressed hard late on, introducing stars like Darwin Núñez, but Vozinha commanded his penalty area with authority, ensuring the draw held.
Both teams now have two points from two matches in Group H. Spain lead the way with four points after their opening fixtures.
Cape Verde will seek to extend their dream run against Saudi Arabia on June 26, while Uruguay face a crucial showdown with Spain.
Beyond the pitch, the tournament has already given Vozinha and his mother a victory that means more than football could ever deliver.
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