Guinea-Bissau stun Nigeria 3-0 in AFCON qualifying

Nigeria came into the game after a 2–1 opening win over Madagascar. They left it beaten 3-0. Guinea-Bissau’s win on 29 September was one of the shocks of the opening window of AFCON 2027 qualifying, and it has turned Group L on its head.

Franculino put Guinea-Bissau ahead after 15 minutes. Mama Baldé doubled the lead midway through the second half, and Álvaro Djaló added a third deep into stoppage time, CAF reported.

Six points, no goals conceded

Guinea-Bissau had already beaten Tanzania 2-0 in their opener. Five goals scored, none conceded, maximum points. Nigeria, who came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their first game, are stuck on three.

Why every point counts

Tanzania are guaranteed a place at the finals as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Under CAF rules, only the best-placed non-host team goes through from a group that includes a host. So Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar are fighting over one ticket, not two.

In November, Guinea-Bissau travel to Madagascar while Nigeria host Tanzania. Four games remain, and Nigeria trail Guinea-Bissau by three points.

Related reporting: Morocco open AFCON qualifying with two wins and two clean sheets.