Guinea-Bissau kept their hopes of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations alive with a 3-1 road victory in Eswatini on Friday. Moving to within two points of the Republic of Congo in Group I, the Djurtus will have an opportunity to move into the final qualification spot with a victory at home against the Red Devils on the final day. In the later match Congo and Senegal played to a scoreless draw to clinch the Senegalese team’s status as Group I leaders.
Senegalese star Sadio Mane had a couple of excellent chances to win the match for the visitors but was not finishing at his best. On 28 minutes the Liverpool forward was sent in and beat his defender to cut inside and curl an effort off the woodwork. A brilliant Senegalese buildup left Mane with a golden opportunity in the 65th minute but this time Mane put the ball over shooting with his weaker left foot. Overall the match was an even affair with Congo failing to get the desired win to clinch qualification, but fortunate to not concede.
In Eswatini it was set pieces that made the difference for Guinea-Bissau in their win. Portimonense left-flank player Fali Cande served in a quick corner that found the head of Marcelo Djalo to give the visitors a lead in the 15th minute. Eswatini playmaker Felix Badenhorst responded a few minutes later before Reading midfielder Alfa Semedo stung a long range effort that was too hot for goalkeeper Ncamiso Dlamini to handle, giving Guinea-Bissau a 2-1 halftime lead.
Another set piece did in the hosts when Pele’s 50th minute high inswinging free-kick bounced into the far corner to leave Dlamini stranded. The situation is simple for the Djurtus on Tuesday: win and they are in. Highlights of both games are below.
Republic of Congo 0-0 Senegal (for USA/Canada readers)
Republic of Congo 0-0 Senegal (for international readers)
Eswatini 1-3 Guinea-Bissau
