Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes starts against Argentina despite rape allegations
via SeneNews1 min read
Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes is playing in the World Cup round of 16 match against Argentina in Miami, despite facing a rape investigation in New Zealand. Mendes, who is wearing the captain's armband, is accused by a Brazilian national of forcing his way into her hotel room, assaulting her, and raping her on April 10 in Auckland. The alleged incident occurred at the team's hotel during FIFA-organized friendly matches in Oceania. The Brazilian woman was working as an interpreter for the New Zealand Federation. New Zealand police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the reported events but have not provided further details on the facts or individuals involved. Both the Cape Verdean Federation and FIFA have declined to comment on the allegations, with FIFA stating it is "in contact with the New Zealand authorities." Ryan Mendes, 36, is Cape Verde's most capped player with 99 appearances and their all-time leading scorer with 22 goals. Cape Verdean coach Pedro Leit茫o Brito declined to answer questions about the matter during a press conference.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
The Senegalese national football team, known as the Lions, is currently stranded in Seattle following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup. According to a special correspondent for RTS, no flight reservation has been made for the team's return to Dakar. Local airport sources contacted by RTS confirmed that no reservation under the name of the Senegalese Football Federation FSF was found with Blue Jet, Delta, or United Airlines. This situation adds to a series of organizational issues surrounding Senegal's World Cup participation. While the team's luggage has been loaded and players have left their hotel for Friday prayers, their scheduled departure for the airport at 5 PM local time and flight at 8 PM remain hypothetical without a confirmed flight. The FSF is reportedly working with FIFA to secure a special flight as quickly as possible. Airport sources indicate that overflight and New York airport parking authorizations should not pose additional obstacles once a flight is identified. The special correspondent suggested that the FSF was likely caught off guard by the team's elimination and failed to anticipate the return flight arrangements.
Must ReadDeroy Duarte scored for Cape Verde in the 59th minute, equalizing the score against Argentina in a round of sixteen match in Miami. The goal, initiated by Ryan Mendes on the left wing, who then delivered a precise pass into the box, was finished by Duarte with an unstoppable cross-shot. This goal brought Cape Verde back into the game at 1-1 after being behind, reflecting a more controlled offensive sequence and increased intensity from the team after halftime. The match is now completely open and promises an intense and uncertain finish.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the creation of his own political party during a meeting at the Palace of the Republic. This move marks a break from his former ally and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. The announcement follows persistent tensions and a deterioration in the relationship between President Faye and Sonko, who together led Pastef to power in 2024. The meeting included over a hundred mayors from various territorial communities, indicating an effort to establish a territorial base for the new political entity. The creation of this party is seen as a major turning point that could reshape the country's political landscape and reconfigure forces from the former Pastef, especially after the dissolution of the initial government and Sonko's departure from the prime minister's office.