The Portuguese made an initial 30-man selection last week, but has looked to maximise preparation time, becoming just the second coach to name his final cut, following in Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff's footsteps.
Thierry Graca, Jozimar Lima, Pecks, Stenio, Sita, Ricardo Gomes and Ze Luis are those to drop out of the Portuguese coach's plans.
Cape Verde are in Group B alongside Zambia, Tunisia and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Squad in full:
Defenders: Carlitos (Apoel Limassol), Jeffrey Fortes (Dordrecht), Gege (Maritimo), Kay (Universidade Craiovia) Nivaldo (Teplice), Stopira (Videoton), Fernando Varela (Steaua Bucareste)
Midfielders: Babanco (Estoril), Calu (Progresso Sambizanga), Platiny (CSKA Sofia), Nuno Rocha (Universidade Craiova), Sergio Semedo (Olhanense), Tony Varela (Excelsior)
Forwards: Jorge Djaniny (Santos Laguna), Odair Fortes (Reims), Kuca (Estoril), Garry Mendes (Elche), Ryan Mendes (Lille), Heldon Augusto Almeida Ramos (Sporting), Julio Tavares (Dijon)
