In with their debut on international platform, Cape Verde failed to impress supporters but posed a spirited display in Friday’s 7-2 defeat against England in a match where they could only finish with two successive goals to give some consolation cheers to the home crowd.
Their international debut had a tricky start on home sand as goals from Temple (2), Clarke (2) and Farquharson put them behind by the middle of the second period. Undeterred by the lead, Ramos reduced it with a historic goal while Jose scored a second late either side of further goals from Day and Clarke which cemented England’s position as early leaders.
On their first outing, in front of home crowd, which backed them passionately, they started off well and caused problems to the opposition as Jeffery was required to pull off a series of smart stops.
But against the run of play, the visitors led as Temple turned well, found a yard of space and tucked the opener home midway through the first period.
Clarke fired in a free-kick from distance to earn his side a comfortable cushion and two became three when Farquharson angled in an effort at the end of the first period.
Lawson almost gave Cape Verde a helping hand when his header looped against England’s crossbar but captain Clarke made it 4-0 soon after – sliding the ball under Manu.
Givaldar headed over for Cape Verde and, amid a scrappy second period, England stopper Jeffery produced several wayward attempts.
But Temple double his tally in emphatic fashion with a thunderous strike into the top corner before Ramos headed wide with the goal gaping at the end of the second period.
However, Cape Verde eventually had their landmark goal when Ramos reduced the arrears in acrobatic fashion.
The feelgood factor was dampened somewhat when Day scored straight from the restart while Cape Verde tried their luck from kick-off to no avail afterwards.
Clarke continued to pose problems however as he secured his hat-trick with a delightful overhead kick – prompting applause from the an impressed home crowd.
Those in Sal had another home goal to cheer when Jose scored his side’s second with a close-range header after Nilton struck the post.
It prompted a late flourish from the Cape Verdeans who will take positives in defeat as they prepare to face Spain on Saturday while England take on world champions Portugal.
Goals: Temple, min. 7 (1); Clarke, min. 3 (1); Farquharson, min. 0 (1); Clarke, min. 10 (2); Temple, min. 3 (2); Ramos, min. 0 (2); Day, min. 11 (3); Clarke, min. 6 (3);Nilton, min. 2 (3)