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In a candid admission, Guinea-Bissau's head coach, Baciro Candé, has acknowledged the steep challenge his team faces in Group A of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite being pitted against powerhouses Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, Candé is not backing down. He's eyeing a historic breakthrough for the Djurtus, aiming to shepherd them beyond the group stages for the first time.
Candé's Historic Quest with Guinea-Bissau
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Baciro Candé, a name already etched in Guinea-Bissau's football annals, is no stranger to breaking new ground. The 56-year-old, a former national team star, became the first manager to lead Guinea-Bissau to the AFCON in 2017. Since then, he has been a constant at the helm, guiding the Wild Dogs to three consecutive AFCON finals. His next mission? Propel the team into uncharted territory – past the daunting group stage.
Facing the Giants in Group A
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The task at hand is formidable. Guinea-Bissau finds itself in a group with former champions Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, the latter also being the hosts. These teams are not just former champions but are also hot favorites for the title. However, Candé's resolve remains unshaken. Emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football, he remains optimistic about pulling off an upset.
Speaking to cafonline, Candé remarked, “Our goal is to finally get past the first round. It’s true that our group is very tough with opponents like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, but anything is possible in football; anything is possible.”
The road ahead begins with a clash against hosts Cote d’Ivoire, followed by a face-off with Equatorial Guinea. The climax of the group stage will see them lock horns with Nigeria, a match that could very well be a decisive one for both squads.
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