\n<\/p>\n
Once players and fans finally began drifting away, the party switched to a different venue, the Estadio da Varzea.<\/p>\n
It was here where independence was celebrated in 1975 and where Cape Verde played their very first World Cup qualifiers back in 2000.<\/p>\n
Packed with supporters watching the match in the afternoon, the big screen was replaced with live music once evening arrived.<\/p>\n
Like the players, many acts performing had connections to the diaspora and had flown in specially for the game.<\/p>\n
That included two members of the Dutch hip-hop act Broederliefde, whose name translates fittingly as ‘brotherly love’, one of whom is the brother of Dailon Livramento, Cape Verde’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying.<\/p>\n
Crowds also gathered outside the players’ hotel, waiting for their heroes to wave from the building’s balconies.<\/p>\n
The size of the gathering on the street outside became so big that police were struggling to keep traffic moving, although no-one really seemed to care.<\/p>\n
“I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy,” said Praia resident Jose Vieira, one of those lucky enough to have had a ticket for the game.<\/p>\n
Blue was the colour, with national flags and replica team jerseys everywhere.<\/p>\n
The rhythmic pounding of drums producing samba and reggae beats soundtracked the party on the streets alongside the constant honking of car horns.<\/p>\n
“I feel incredibly happy,” said taxi driver Maximo Gomes.<\/p>\n
“Yes, it is the biggest event since independence. The President said this and it is how the people feel.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n