Heroic Cape Verde keeper Vozinha to be reunited with mum at World Cup after visa issue

Published
0
Ana Candida Evora, the mother of of Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, poses for a photograph with other family members during an interview, at her home in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde on June 16, 2026.--Reuters
Ana Candida Evora, the mother of of Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha, poses for a photograph with other family members during an interview, at her home in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde on June 16, 2026.--Reuters

Cape Verde’s heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after U.S. officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time to attend the match against Uruguay in Miami.

One of the breakout stars of the tournament, the 40-year-old defused Spain’s formidable attack in Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup match on Monday with a stunning performance as he held the European champions at bay in a 0-0 draw in Group H.

But Vozinha tearfully revealed that his mother, Ana Candida Evora, had not been at the Atlanta match, citing a visa issue.

“No mother should miss the chance to see her child make history,” U.S. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement on Wednesday. “I spoke with the Secretary of State Marco Rubio and asked the State Department to do everything in their power to ensure that his mother can attend Cape Verde’s next match.

“It is a privilege to announce that Vozinha’s mum will be able to secure a visa in time to attend their game this Sunday.”

A State Department official said in a statement provided to Reuters: “We can confirm our visa team in Praia is in close touch with her and providing the needed services.”

Cape Verde was among a dozens of countries whose citizens needed to post bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown.

That requirement was later dropped for World Cup ticket holders, but Evora told Reuters she had already ruled out trying to make the trip, citing the high costs.

“All fees have been waived consistent with official policy,” added Jeffries. “Travel arrangements are now being made for mother and son to reunite in Miami.”

Opinion

Editorial

Kashmir unresolved
Updated 30 Sep, 2026

Kashmir unresolved

The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan.
Water shortage
30 Sep, 2026

Water shortage

THAT the country is entering the Rabi season with an anticipated water shortage of nearly 25pc, the lowest carryover...
Young hearts
30 Sep, 2026

Young hearts

THE observance may have passed, but the message of World Heart Day should not fade with it. The occasion is a useful...
Terror and politics
Updated 29 Sep, 2026

Terror and politics

There is an urgent need to tone down the rhetoric and tackle terrorism as a collective challenge for both the affected provinces and the federation.
Watching the glaciers
29 Sep, 2026

Watching the glaciers

THE latest signs from Pakistan’s mountains are worrying. Suparco says the number of unfrozen glacial lakes it...
Dangerous agenda
29 Sep, 2026

Dangerous agenda

AS the world remains fixated on the US-Iran conflict, elsewhere in the Middle East, Israel is consolidating its grip...