EUROPEAN STARS FOR GUINEA-BISSAU

MBABANE – Eswatini will have to face a Guinea-Bissau boasting eight Europe-born players.

The players were born in different European countries but ended up as Guinea-Bissauau citizens after acquiring the Portuguese-speaking nation nationality. Apparently, some of the players’ paternal parents were born in Guinea-Bissau but travelled to Europe for their children (the players) to come back to their native country for citizenships. Five of the players were born in Portugal and they are 25-year old defender Mamadu Cande; 25-year old Rui Dabo who is a goalkeeper; 28-year old Pele who is a midfielder; Leonel Ucha aged 31 who is a striker and 25-year old Nanu, who is also a defender. Two of the players were born in France and they are 30-year old forward Frederic Mendy and 28-year old Joseph Mendes, who is also a striker. Only one was born in Spain in 26-year old defender Marcelo.

Giants

The West African giants parade a number of players who ply their trade in European countries. Guinea-Bussau was yet to name their squad ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifier against Sihlangu away on November 11. These are therefore the players who are regular in the national team of that country and it does not mean they will eventually be selected for this match but chances are very high that a number of them will make it to the squad. After the Guinea-Bissau test, Kostadin Papic’s men will meet another tough West African nation in AFCON 2019 runners-up Senegal on November 19 at the Mavuso Sports Centre for the first leg of the same tournament.   

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