Cape Verde produced a spirited second-half comeback to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Libya in Tripoli, extending their unbeaten run and tightening their grip on top spot in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The match burst into life within seconds as Cape Verde defender Roberto Lopes turned the ball into his own net, gifting Libya an early advantage. The hosts, buoyed by the home crowd, pushed for more, with Fadel Mansour and Maruwan Al Hbeishi both coming close in the opening 20 minutes.

The Blue Sharks, however, found their rhythm midway through the first half, and Telmo Arcanjo restored parity in the 29th minute with a well-placed finish. After the break, Libya once again seized control—Ezoo El Mariamy struck in the 52nd minute before Mahmoud Al Shalwi made it 3-1 six minutes later, putting the Mediterranean Knights in command.

But Cape Verde refused to fold. Sidny Cabral ignited the comeback with a precise finish in the 67th minute, and with the clock winding down, Willy Semedo delivered the crucial equaliser to silence the Tripoli crowd.

The draw means Cape Verde now sit five points clear at the top of the group, maintaining their momentum toward a potential first-ever World Cup appearance. Libya, meanwhile, will rue the missed opportunity to close the gap after a promising start.