2019 Africa Cup of Nations: Group F preview

By Liam Bekker | Jun 21, 2019

An Egyptian youth holds a replica model of the Afican Cup of Nations trophy in one hand an a national flag in the other as he stands outside a shop selling trophies and medals and other sports memorabilia in the capital Cairo's downtown district on June 17, 2019. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images) /

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Guinea-Bissau’s midfielder Toni Silva (R) reacts during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso in Franceville on January 22, 2017. / AFP / KHALED DESOUKI (Photo credit should read KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images) /

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau are making only their second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, having made their debut in the competition in 2017. They failed to win a single match last time around and will be looking to deliver a better showing in Egypt.

Qualification

Paired with Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia in qualifying, Guinea-Bissau qualified top of their group after recording two wins and three draws. Frederic Mendy scored three goals for the West Africans which was the joint-most by any player in the group, alongside Zambia’s Justin Shonga.

The squad

Guinea-Bissau arrive in Egypt with the most inexperienced squad of all the nations participating. The 23-man selection averages less than nine caps per player and only five members of the squad have scored an international goal. The majority of Baciro Cande’s side play their club soccer in Portugal and only four are based outside of Europe, including former Liverpool forward Toni Silva.

Guinea-Bissau are featuring at the AFCON for only the second time. The Djurtus are yet to win a game at the AFCON and will eye the match against Benin as an opportunity to record their first victory. They will be led by Zezinho Lopes who plies his trade at @FKSenica, Slovakia. pic.twitter.com/eMTGwwyW5C
— Danny Uchay (@dannyuchay) June 20, 2019

Key player: Romario Balde

Romario Balde might not be an established member of the Guinea-Bissau squad, having only made his debut this year, but the 22-year old has the potential to become of the nation’s great players.

A former Portuguese youth international, Balde has performed well at club level with Academia this season and could be a surprise package at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. Guinea-Bissau aren’t expected to go far in the tournament but expect Balde to catch the eye with his attacking play.

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