Guinea-Bissau defeated Guinea on penalties to claim third place in the WAFU A U17 Tournament at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium in Bamako on Saturday.
The all-Guinean contest offered plenty of drama and intensity as both sides battled for pride after missing out on the final.
Guinea-Bissau showed resilience and composure throughout, eventually winning 4-2 in the penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
The opening half unfolded with few chances as both teams cautiously sized each other up. The match came to life in the second half when Rabi Cá broke the deadlock for Guinea-Bissau in the 57th minute, finishing off a well-worked move to give his team the lead.
Guinea responded almost immediately. Just five minutes later, Moussa Sano converted a penalty to bring the score level at 1-1, restoring hope for his side.
The tension intensified when Guinea-Bissau’s Moussa Conté received a red card, leaving his team to play the final minutes with ten men.
Despite the setback, the young Bissau-Guineans showed remarkable defensive organisation and determination to keep Guinea from taking advantage.
As full time approached, Guinea pressed forward, but Guinea-Bissau’s defenders held firm, clearing every threat with discipline. The referee’s final whistle sent the match to penalties, where composure and confidence became decisive.
In the shootout, Guinea-Bissau’s penalty takers displayed precision, converting four of their spot kicks, while Guinea missed twice.
The Bissau-Guinean goalkeeper made a crucial save that sealed their 4-2 victory, sparking jubilation among players and coaching staff.
This result marked a proud moment for Guinea-Bissau, whose young squad showed growth, unity, and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
Their bronze finish represents an encouraging sign for the future of youth football in the country.
For Guinea, the loss came as a disappointment after a promising start to the competition. However, the team’s strong showing during the tournament demonstrated potential and the ability to bounce back stronger in upcoming youth championships.
The victory also highlighted the competitive balance within the West African Football Union (WAFU A), where developing nations continue to challenge regional powerhouses.
Guinea-Bissau’s success reaffirmed their growing influence in West African youth football and their potential to produce the next generation of talented players.
The Mamadou Konaté Stadium erupted in celebration as Guinea-Bissau’s players lifted their medals, proud of their hard-fought achievement.
Their journey in this year’s tournament ends on a high note — a reminder that determination, teamwork, and composure often define football’s finest moments
