AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Incredible Guinea-Bissau defy the odds

29.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Guinea-Bissau

3

:

Nigeria

0

Guinea-Bissau continue to surprise in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. After beating Tanzania away from home on the opening matchday, the Djurtus this time defeated Nigeria (2-0), confirming their incredible start to the campaign.

Few expected them to make such an impact. In a group where Nigeria appeared to be one of the main favourites, Guinea-Bissau have nevertheless moved to the top on their own after two matchdays. Two matches, two wins and already six points on the board.

Two wins against fancied opponents

The first warning sign had come a few days earlier. Away to Tanzania, the Guinea-Bissau national team won 2-0 thanks to goals from Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé.

Against Nigeria, the challenge was even greater. The Super Eagles also arrived with three points after their comeback victory over Madagascar (2-1).

Guinea-Bissau quickly took the lead against Nigeria. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 15th minute, putting the Djurtus in an ideal position. The Nigerians were unable to get back into the match.

After the break, Mama Baldé doubled the lead in the 66th minute. The same duo that had made the difference against Tanzania a few days earlier struck again, before Àlvaro Djálo scored the third goal in the 95th minute, allowing Guinea-Bissau to claim a second consecutive victory by a score of 3-0.

Guinea-Bissau ultimately brought down the Nigerian giant and took a serious step towards finishing top of the group. With six points, they now lead their challengers and have established themselves as the team to watch in Group L.

The scenario is all the more remarkable because Tanzania, co-hosts of AFCON 2027, have already qualified automatically. Only one additional qualifying spot is therefore at stake between Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar.

After two matchdays, the hierarchy predicted on paper has been seriously upended. Guinea-Bissau are no longer the outsider in the group. They are now its leaders.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

Related teams and leagues

Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations