Nickname: The Djurtus
Previous appearances: None
Best finish: None
Who are they?
Think about it this way. Guinea-Bissau are to Africa what San Marino are to Europe. Yet these absolute no-hopers have somehow found a way to gate-crash a party that the likes of Nigeria and South Africa have failed to make. A tiny nation sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea, which even many Africans will struggle to find on a map, they have contrived to shock even themselves by qualifying for the Nations Cup.
Route to Qualification
Truth be told, not even Guinea-Bissau expected to be in this position when they went into the qualifiers. After two games they had just one point and trailed group leaders Congo by three after drawing away to Zambia and losing 4-2 at home to Congo. Things looked bleak. But then both top dogs drew home and away, while the underdogs edged Kenya 1-0 twice over two legs to slide to the top. All it took was one more dramatic win at home to Zambia and they were home and dry. With one game to spare!
Definition of Success
Just being where they are is success enough for the nation of less than 2-million people. Anything else will be a very juicy cherry on top.
Biggest Rivals
Not having been involved in major competition, the Djurtus have no real rivals. But they might want to flex their muscle against Cameroon, one of the continent’s powerhouses, during group play.
Top three players
Bocundji Ca, midfielder, Unattached
Team captain and leader, Ca has spent all of his career in France, bouncing up and down Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 with the likes of Nantes. He provides leadership from deep, protecting the back-four, and will be an important part of their assault to shock Africa.
Cicero, striker, Pacos Ferreira
Six goals in 14 international appearances should be enough to raise opposition eyebrows. One of the most experienced players in the squad, the striker has played for Russian giants Dinamo Moscow. At 30, and currently clubless, this could be his first and last chance to put his skills on the big stage.
Zezinho, midfielder, Levadiakos
Full names Jose Luis Mendes Lopes. Started his career at home with Sporting Bissau before moving to Portugal where he spent the majority of his playing career. He scored both goals in the 4-2 home loss to Congo and opened the scoring in the decisive game against Zambia.
Who brings the African league flavour?
Baciro Cande
None. All of the players called up play in leagues around Europe and Asia. So we’ll cheat a little and use their coach, a former Guinea-Bissau defender himself, as their one connection to African leagues.
How far will they go?
Between hosts Gabon, former champions Cameroon and 2013 finalists Burkina Faso, it’s hard to see Guinea-Bissau getting past the group phase.
By Colin Udoh/KweseSports
@ColinUdoh on Twitter
