Nigeria’s opponents, Guinea Bissau summons 14 debutants for Afcon 2023

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Head coach of Guinea Bissau national team, Baciro Cande has released the list of 25 players that will represent the country at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.

The Central Africans’ list consists of 14 players that will be among their debut appearances at the showpiece.

They are Ouparine Djoco, Fernando Embadje, Houboung Mendes, Edgar Le, Fernando de Lacerda Gomes, Carlos Mane, Janio Bikel da Silva, Carlos Mendes Gomes, Dalcio Gomes, Famana Quizera, Zinho Gano, Franculino Dju, Marciano Sanca Tchani, and Jose Correia.

Guinea Bissau will face Mali in Bamako on January 6 in a friendly match preparatory for the AFCON.

The Djurtus will play host, Cote D’Ivoire in the opening match of the AFCON 2023, on January 13, 2024.

They will also trade tackles with Nigeria and Equation Guinea in Group A.

Guinea Bissau squad for AFCON 2023

Goalkeepers: Jonas Mendes (Kalamata, Greece); Ouparine Djoco (Francs Borains, Belgium); Fernando Embadje (Cau Lugo, Spain)

Defenders: Jefferson Encada (Pharco, Egypt); Houboung Mendes (UD America, Spain); Fali Cande (FC Metz, France); Euliano Chipela Gomes (Samsunspor, Turkey); Bloody Opa (USL Dunquer, France); Marcelo Djalo (Palacia Soccer Club, Spain); Manconi Soriano Mane (Academica of Visa, Portugal); Edgar (Basaksehir, Turkey)

Midfielders: Fernando De Lacerda Gomes (Maritimo, Portugal); Janio Bikel Da Silva (Gaziantep, Turkey); Alpha Seed (Al-Taee, Saudi Arabia); Carlos Mane (Kayserispor, Turkey); More to Cassama (Omonia, Cyprus); Carlos Mendes Gomes (Bolton Wanderers, England)

Forwards: Mauro Weather (Yverdon, Switzerland); Mama Samba Balde (Olympique Lyon, France); Dalcio Gomes (Apoel, Cyprus); Famana Quizera (Academica of Visa, Portugal); Zinho Gano (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fanculin Dju (Midtjylland, Denmark); Marciano Sanca Tchani (UD Almeria, Spain)