The mother of Cape Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has been granted a visa to enter the United States in time to watch her 40-year-old son play at the World Cup, according to an announcement by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries shared on social media Wednesday that Vozinha and his mother "will be reunited in Miami in time for Sunday's match." Earlier, Ana Candida Evora had been unable to travel to the U.S. to see her son play due to the cost of visa bond fees.
Vozinha has been a standout at the World Cup from the very start, making crucial saves that helped Cape Verde hold Spain to a 0-0 draw — a result few expected against one of the tournament favorites.
After the match, Vozinha revealed his mother had not yet obtained a visa to enter the U.S. to watch him play. Jeffries said he urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to allow Vozinha's mother entry.
"I thank Secretary Rubio, officials at the U.S. State Department, the government of Cabo Verde, and FIFA for working together to make this happen," Jeffries said, adding that all fees had been waived and travel arrangements were being made to bring Evora to Miami in time for Cape Verde's next match.
Cape Verde will face Uruguay in their second Group H match this Sunday.
