Estoril (Portugal), April 1 (IANS): A Portugal side missing Cristiano Ronaldo suffered a shock 0-2 loss against African islanders Cape Verde at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota here.

The Ballon d'Or winner was released from international duty ahead of the friendly meeting on Tuesday and Portugal dearly missed his guile and killer instinct, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Odair Fortes and Gege scored the Blue Sharks' goals before half-time and the dismissal of Portugal defender Andre Pinto on the hour-mark made a comeback even more unlikely. It would not materialise.

It was the first time since 1986 that Portugal lost to an African nation, though it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise with Cape Verde up at 37 in the FIFA rankings, above the likes of Scotland and Sweden.

Cape Verde made a lively start. But the European side began to stamp its mark on the proceedings soon after Vozinha was called into action on a number of occasions in goal, keeping out Vierinha and then Bernardo Silva.

But the visitors went ahead in the 38th minute, as Fortes' cross-cum-shot looped over Lopes at the far post.

Five minutes later, they doubled their advantage after Heldon's free-kick fell kindly for Gege, who made his way up from defence and could hardly miss.

Hugo Almeida spurned a golden chance in the second half as Fernando Santos' side tried to rally.

But Portugal's hopes of mounting a comeback were dealt a major blow on the hour-mark when Pinto was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Heldon.

Pinto's sending off did not affect Portugal's attacking ambition, but their efforts ultimately proved fruitless on a famous night for Cape Verde.