Guinea-Bissau take aim at Eswatini

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Sep 04, 2024. 13:12

Guinea-Bissau will go head to head with Eswatini in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group I match on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

The match will take place at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in the capital and largest city of Guinea-Bissau, Bissau.

The last time Djurtus (African Wild Dogs) were in action was against Egypt on 10 June as the two teams drew 1-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Guinea-Bissau.

Therefore, Guinea-Bissau are winless in their last six matches across all competitions having registered two successive draws and four consecutive defeats.

“As for Eswatini, they offer a different type of football, making the opposition’s task as difficult as possible,” Guinea-Bissau head coach Luis Boa Morte told the Guinea-Bissau FA media team.

“I wouldn’t say they’re as strong technically, but physically they make things difficult. That’s why we’re hoping for a lively group stage and to be in the next AFCON.”

Meanwhile, Eswatini succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their last match which was the 2024 COSAFA Cup Group A encounter played in Gqeberha on 2 July.

As a result, Sihlangu Semnikati (King’s Shield) are also winless in their last six games across all competitions having recorded three defeats and three draws coming into their clash with Guinea-Bissau.

“I am truly thankful for this appointment and eager to drive the team forward. Having observed the team in action on several occasions, I recognize their immense talent,” new Eswatini head coach Zdravko Logarusic said.

“I am ready to collaborate with the entire squad and integrate some new ideas. My experience with various national teams in Africa has prepared me for this role, and our objective will be to enhance our results, as the groundwork is already in place.”

Guinea-Bissau and Eswatini have met two times across all competitions and the African Wild Dogs boast an unbeaten record against Sihlangu Semnikati having won both matches.

Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 win in favour of Guinea-Bissau in the 2021 AFCON qualifier played at the Mavuso Sports Centre in March 2021.