Guinea Bissau’s head coach, Baciro Candé, has unveiled the final list of 25 players selected to represent the Djurtus in the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN). The Djurtus are scheduled to face host country Côte d’Ivoire on January 13, followed by matches against Equatorial Guinea on January 18 and Nigeria on January 22.
While the squad brings a mix of talent and promise, several surprising omissions have caught the attention of football enthusiasts.
One notable absence from the roster is Alexandre Mendy, the prolific striker from SM Caen. Despite leading the goal-scoring charts in Ligue 2 with an impressive 12 goals in 18 matches, Mendy was omitted from both the final squad and the pre-list.
At 29 years old, Mendy’s stellar performances in the French second division have not translated into a consistent presence on the national stage, with only seven caps since 2020 and no goals.
The decision to leave out experienced figures like Piqueti and Jorginho has also raised eyebrows. Piqueti, aged 30, boasts 37 caps and 7 goals for Guinea Bissau but has not been part of the squad since March 2023.
Jorginho, 28 years old with 25 caps and 5 goals, received a pre-call but ultimately did not make the final cut. Candé’s choice to forgo their services suggests a strategic shift that potentially sacrifices experience for emerging talent.
In addition, the absence of Celton Biai, a promising 23-year-old goalkeeper, adds another layer of intrigue. Despite featuring on the provisional list and showcasing his skills with Vitória de Guimarãe in the Portuguese third division, Biai, who is on loan from Vitória SC (D1 Portugal), did not secure a spot in the national squad.
The surprising exclusions underscore Candé’s emphasis on a blend of emerging talent and strategic choices as Guinea Bissau aims to make a mark in the highly anticipated continental tournament.
As the Djurtus prepare for their CAN 2023 campaign, football enthusiasts will be keenly observing how the selected squad navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Alexandre Mendy (29 ans) continue de rouler sur la Ligue 2 et vient d’inscrire son 12e but de la saison. 😳
2021/2022 👉 19 buts ⚽️ 5 passes decisives 🎯
2022/2023 👉 16 buts ⚽️ 1 passe décisive 🎯Il n’y a pas des clubs de Ligue 1 qui sont à la recherche d’un buteur efficace… pic.twitter.com/jRejJYIbz5
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) December 6, 2023
