Africa’s new top ranked nation, Cape Verde, officially confirmed Felisberto Cardoso as their new coach as they announced their squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Morocco later this month. Cardoso – better known as ‘Beto’ – had been named acting coach in January after the departure of the Portuguese Rui Aguas in a spat over unpaid wages. Beto’s permanent appointment was confirmed at a news conference in Praia, where Jimmy Barros and Bassano were named the team’s new assistants. Beto had been assistant to former Portugal international Rui Aguas, who took Cape Verde to the last Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea where they were eliminated after the opening group phase despite not losing a match. The island archipelago, one of the smallest countries on the continent, took over as the top ranked African team in the latest FIFA rankings with Beto telling reporters he understood the “increased responsibility” on the team.

Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe has been included in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola later this month. The 23-year-old has represented England at youth level since 2005, having captained the Under-12s, won the Victory Shield with the U16s, and turned out for the U17s, U19s and U21s. Last month Afobe revealed that a lack of chances to make England’s senior squad could lead him to turn to the country of his parents. DR Congo coach, Florent Ibenge, has now handed him a maiden call-up in a 32-man provisional squad for the Group B fixtures at home on 26 March and away in Lubango three days later. Afobe holds dual nationality and has not played for England’s senior side, making him eligible for the Leopards – once an application has been made to FIFA and approved.