Guinea-Bissau pull out of WAFU-A U-20 tournament as Sierra Leone face last-minute shake-up

Guinea-Bissau have withdrawn from the ongoing 2026 WAFU-A U-20 tournament in Mali, forcing organisers to restructure Group B just a day before Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars were scheduled to begin their campaign.

The West African Football Union Zone A (WAFU-A) confirmed the withdrawal in a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, but did not provide a reason for Guinea-Bissau’s decision.

The late development leaves Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Senegal as the three remaining teams in Group B, potentially affecting the group’s fixture schedule and the calculations for qualification to the knockout stages.

Sierra Leone had been preparing to face Guinea-Bissau on Friday, October 16, in their opening match of the regional competition, which also serves as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, with Guinea-Bissau no longer participating, organisers have been forced to adjust the group structure as the Shooting Stars prepare to launch their campaign.

Shooting Stars remain focused despite late change

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the revised format, Sierra Leone’s camp in Mali remains calm, with the team determined to adapt to the changes and maintain its focus on qualification.

Team media officer Alie Sesay said the squad remained prepared for the challenge as it seeks to secure another appearance at the continental tournament.

“The Sierra Leone squad remains ready and determined to adapt to the revised format as they pursue a second consecutive appearance at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Sierra Leone will be hoping to navigate the altered group stage successfully and secure a place at the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Guinea-Bissau’s withdrawal, however, leaves questions over how the revised format will affect the remaining teams’ routes through the competition.

WAFU-A has indicated that it will keep stakeholders informed of further developments but has yet to explain why Guinea-Bissau pulled out or provide further details on any adjustments to the schedule.

Mali suffer opening defeat as tournament gets underway

The withdrawal comes after the tournament began on Wednesday, October 14, with hosts Mali suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Guinea.

In the other opening-day fixture, Liberia and The Gambia played out a draw as the participating nations began their campaigns in the competition.

Friday’s schedule features Senegal taking on Mauritania following Guinea-Bissau’s departure, with the remaining Group B sides now preparing to compete under the revised arrangement.

The tournament represents an important opportunity for the participating nations to secure places at next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, making every match significant in the race for continental qualification.