Cabo Verde national team makes debut at Women's Africa Cup

Cabo Verde's women's national team has made its long-awaited debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, weeks after the men's team inspired the nation with a remarkable FIFA World Cup run..

For a country of just over half a million people, football has become something much bigger than a game. Across the capital, Praia, families gathered around television sets to witness Cabo Verde's first Women's Africa Cup of Nations match.

For many, simply seeing their team compete on Africa's biggest stage was already a moment of national pride.

Against one of Africa's traditional powerhouses, Ghana struck early through its player Doris Boaduwaa. Cabo Verde refused to fold, creating chances of their own before an unfortunate own goal made it two. The final score was a 2-nil defeat.

However, Marly da Luz, sister of Cabo Verde women's national team captain Varsenia da Luz, is fully confident of the next match.

"This time we couldn't win. We fought hard, but as I always say, we leave with our heads held high. A few things happened during the match that I believe the team will discuss. I'm sure they'll win the next game. I always stay positive," said Marly.

Rather than seeing the match as a loss, many supporters drew positive inspiration.

"Girls, you are good. You got here because you are strong, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. We are Cabo Verde. We never give up on what we want," said Elizaja Batista, a football fan.

"Whenever I watch Cabo Verde play, my heart beats so fast. I want us to win. My heart is racing from the beginning of the match until the very end," said Miriam Hellena, another football fan.

Expectations have grown. So has belief. Sunday's match against Mali could prove decisive for Cabo Verde's hopes of reaching the knockout stages. But inside the squad, there's confidence that this historic debut is only the first chapter.

"We already know the teams we're facing are major teams, but Cabo Verde's story is growing very quickly. What we'll do is play with determination and purpose. After the men's World Cup, we're still drawing inspiration from that success—it's still very fresh. We believe we can make a big impact in this competition," said Silveria Nedio, head coach of the women's football team.

Cabo Verde national team makes debut at Women's Africa Cup

Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.

Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.

Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.

Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.

"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.

Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.

"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.

These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.

In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism