Guinea-Bissau coach Baciro Candé has officially announced the list of 23 players who will represent the nation at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the squad that will attempt to make an impact on the continental stage. The announcement marks a historic and ambitious moment for the Djurtus, who continue to establish themselves among Africa’s competitive national teams. Candé’s selection reflects a blend of emerging talent and experienced campaigners, with a strong influence from players based in European leagues, particularly Portugal.
One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is young striker Mama Baldé, who currently plays in Portugal. His call-up highlights Candé’s willingness to inject youthful energy and attacking promise into the team. Baldé has been closely monitored for his pace, movement, and ability to stretch defenses, qualities that could prove invaluable against top-level African opposition. Another new face is goalkeeper Edimar Vieira Cá, who plays domestically for UDIB and has earned his place through consistent performances in the national championship. His presence underlines the coach’s openness to selecting locally based players capable of competing alongside those from European clubs.
France is also represented in the squad, with three players plying their trade in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 making the cut. Moreto Cassama of Reims, Pelé of Monaco, and Joseph Mendes of AC Ajaccio have all been called up, bringing experience from a highly competitive football environment. Their inclusion is expected to add technical quality and tactical discipline to the Djurtus, especially in midfield and attacking areas. Overall, twelve of the selected players come from Portuguese leagues, reflecting the strong connection between Guinea-Bissau football and Portugal, as well as the scouting network that has long focused on that market.
Guinea-Bissau have been drawn into Group F, a particularly demanding section that includes Ghana, Cameroon, and Benin. Cameroon, crowned African champions in 2017, represent one of the toughest possible opponents, while Ghana remain one of the continent’s traditional heavyweights. Benin, meanwhile, have built a reputation as a disciplined and dangerous side capable of troubling any team. For the Djurtus, this group presents a major challenge, but also an opportunity to test themselves against elite African competition and continue their steady rise on the international scene.
The Djurtus will open their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Cameroon on June 25. That encounter will immediately set the tone for their tournament, offering an early measure of how competitive they can be at this level. Baciro Candé and his staff are expected to emphasize organization, collective effort, and tactical discipline as they prepare for a group in which every mistake could be costly. Guinea-Bissau’s recent progress has been built on team spirit and resilience, and those qualities will once again be essential.
The final squad covers all departments with balance and variety. In goal, Jonas Mendes, Rui Dabo, and Edimar Vieira Cá will compete for the starting position. The defensive line includes players based in England, Portugal, Italy, and Lithuania, bringing different footballing cultures and experiences into the same unit. Midfield options such as Pelé, Cassama, Sori Mané, and Zezinho Lopes offer a mix of physicality, ball retention, and creativity. In attack, the Djurtus will rely on the energy and movement of players like Mama Baldé, Romario Baldé, Jorginho Intima, Frédéric Mendy, and Joseph Mendes to trouble opposing defenses.
With the squad now confirmed, Guinea-Bissau can fully focus on preparation and cohesion. Facing some of Africa’s most established nations, the Djurtus enter the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations determined to compete with courage and ambition, hoping to write a new chapter in the country’s growing football history.
