Guinea Bissau have become the seventh team to qualify for the2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging out Sao Tome and Principe 1-0 on Wednesday evening, Owosports.com.ng reports.
The victory in Bissau saw the Djurtus leapfrog Nigeria to top Group A with 10 points, one ahead of Nigeria who play Sierra Leone in the other group match on Sunday.
Substitute Zinho Gano scored the solitary goal for Guinea Bissau in a cagy match, but it wasa enough to hand them a ticket to next year’s extravaganza in Cote d’Ivoire.
The first half didn’t have many clear cut chances, with Mama Balde having several opportunities, but he could’t find a shot on target. He had an effort from close range but couldn’t catch a clean shot while his best opportunity was with an overhead kick from inside the area, but it couldn’t land on target.
In the second half, the Djurtus stepped up their efforts and it paid off in the 55th minute when Gano, who had just come on as a substitute pounced on to the ball from close range after the Sao Tome keeper spilled a shot from Eucidalcio Gomes.
With the goal, Guinea Bissau were more comfortable and they commanded most of the possession, but couldn’t add a second goal. Gomes had some chances, but none were strong enough to change the score.
The Guinea Bissau side will play Sierra Leone in their final group match.
