The World Bank estimates that in 2021, South Africa’s gross domestic product was R6-trillion compared with Cape Verde’s R36-billion.
With a population of 587 925, the island nation is situated in the central Atlantic Ocean in west Africa, whereas South Africa is home to 60.5-million people.
In comparison, 31.9% of people in South Africa are unemployed, while the unemployment rate on Cape Verde Island is 13.60%.
The mining, agro-processing, fishing, and tourism industries make up the majority of Cape Verde’s economy. The country’s mineral resources include a volcanic rock used to produce cement, limestone, and salt.
In addition to manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and transportation, South Africa’s economy also depends on mining, tourism, and agroprocessing. There are numerous other industries that support the country’s economy.
Gold, diamonds, vanadium, antimony, platinum group metal, iron ore, manganese, copper, uranium, silver, beryllium, titanium, and coal are just a few of the more abundant mineral resources found in Mzansi.
It is obvious that each of the two countries is exceptional and unique in its own right. However, economic might and population sizes will mean very little when they play each other on the pitch.
Thrilling spectacle
Saturday night’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) quarterfinal match between South Africa and the islanders will take place at Charles Konan Banny Stadium in the capital city Yamoussoukro.
Bafana Bafana secured their place in the quarterfinals after dominating Morocco, the top-ranked African team, 2-0 in their last-16 match on Tuesday night.
Cape Verde advanced to the quarterfinals via a late penalty against Mauritania.
QUICK FOOTBALL FACTS ABOUT CAPE VERDE
- Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol (FCF), the national federation, was formed in 1982; seven years after the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975
- National team nickname: The Blue Sharks
- First international: 1–0 loss Guinea on May 29, 1978
- Afcon final tournament debut: 2013 South Africa, in Group A with Angola, Morocco and the host South Africa.
- National stadium: Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde (2014, 15 000-capacity), located in the capital Praia
- Fifa ranking: 73 (14th in Africa)
- Current captain: Ryan Mendes
- Coach: Pedro Leitão Brito
