Thanks but no thanks: China football fans happy to see Cabo Verde friendly scrapped
Idea raised by African nation’s football association, with vice-president also sharing advice on how China’s men’s team can improve
Following Cabo Verde’s World Cup heroics, Chinese fans are worried about their country’s chances in a mooted international friendly match between the two nations.
The prospect of a match between China and the tiny nation off the coast of West Africa was raised by the Cabo Verde football association last month.
Speaking to mainland media, Paulo Santos, vice-president of the Cabo Verdean Football Federation, expressed gratitude for China’s help with infrastructure and revealed plans for a post-World Cup friendly match between the two national teams.
“Our national stadium was a gift from the Chinese government, built by a Chinese construction company. Even now, a 25-person Chinese team maintains the stadium’s lighting and facilities,” he said.
“Last Friday, our president dined with the Chinese ambassador and finalised a friendly match between our national teams after the World Cup,” Santos revealed, adding that local Chinese businesspeople supply most of their national jerseys. “They are our friends, our brothers.”
Mainland media, however, clarified that the two sides will not meet soon because of China’s Asian Cup preparations.