AFCON Qualifier : Super Eagles Humble at Home, Guinea Bissau Atop Group A

By Sakiru Olopade 

Against all predictions, the star studded Super Eagles was shocked by Guinea Bissau by one goal to nothing at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja in the AFCON Qualifier fixtures.

Super Eagles fans went home disappointed, could not understand why and how their darling team parading array of stars found it difficult to subdue Guinea Bissau with toga of minnow status.

The encounter started with the Super Eagles dominating proceedings but could not convert many begging chances that came their way.

However, against the run of play in the 29th minutes, the Super Eagles’ defense was caught napping when Mama Samba Balde outwitted the flat footed Kelvin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey in the central defense to slot home the only goal of the match to silent the vociferous home fans who thronged to the venue of the encounter.

The Super Eagles that lacked the killer instinct, despite parading the likes of in form Napoli’s goal king, Victor Osimhen and the gangling Paul Onuachu found the Guinea Bissau’s defense too hard to crack.

The introduction of Paul Onuachu did not help matters as he lost many scoring chances, with Wilfred Ndidi, being another culprit, wasted what could have been an equalizer, was tamely played into the waiting hands of Opa Sanga te in goal for the Guinea Bissau.

The defeat has put paid to the Super Eagles, the three-time African Champion unbeaten record in group A, while Guinea Bissau has moved to the top of group A with 7 points and the Super Eagles pushed to the second spot with 6 points.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for AFCON 2023, slated to hold in Ivory coast.

Both teams are expected to square up again on Monday, 27th, 2023 for the reverse fixture in Guinea Bissau.