Blue Sharks can't wait to sink their jaws into Malaysia
PETALING JAYA: Cape Verde head coach Pedro Brito, better known as Bubista, says playing Malaysia is more than just a friendly — it's a vital part of his team's road to the 2026 World Cup.
The Blue Sharks, currently ranked 75th in the world and pushing for qualification to their first-ever World Cup, are in Kuala Lumpur for two matches against Malaysia – at the Cheras Football Stadium today and at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (June 3).
The African side see the games against the Harimau Malaya as a valuable and different challenge.
'We like to play two very good games. It would be a good preparation for us and also for Malaysia who have a big game against Vietnam,' said Brito during a press conference at the Cheras Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
'We want to experience different kinds of football that these nations can present. With more experience, we are closer to our target which is the World Cup in 2026.'
This will be the first meeting between Cape Verde and Malaysia, and for a small island nation from West Africa with a population of just over half a million, every international exposure counts.
'We are playing Malaysia for the first time. It's a different challenge. It is important to play against different teams. It is an opportunity for us to see how we can adapt to various styles,' said the 54-year-old Brito.
Cape Verde have been steadily rising in the global football scene. They reached the quarter-finals at the 2023 African Nations Cup and regularly compete with top African sides.
Despite having players based across Europe and the Americas, Brito believes the test against Malaysia comes at a good time – not only for tactical development but also for integrating young talents.
'We have many young players, some first-timers, so it is important for them too.
'The ranking doesn't matter as we are seeking a challenge from the match.'
Ranked more than 56 places above Malaysia (No. 131), Cape Verde could have opted for stiffer tests in Europe or Africa but the decision to travel to South-East Asia was intentional - to face a different kind of footballing culture and continue building their identity on the global stage.
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