Guinea Bissau took a decisive start in their hunt for a third consecutive Total African Cup of Nations appearance after a flawless performance at home saw them thrash eSwatini 3-0 on Wednesday evening in Bissau.
The Western Africans who played at the 2017 and 2019 Cup of Nations tournaments took an early lead in Group I with the well worked win. The home side was leading 2-0 at half time having scored two goals within the last five minutes of the opening half.
Jorginho Intima broke the deadlock in the 40th minute before Piquetti Djassi doubled the tally at the stroke of halftime. The home side continued their dominance in the second half and were 3-0 up with 17 minutes left on the clock through Joao Mario’s goal.
In Windhoek, hosts Namibia beat Chad 2-1 to start off their journey to Cameroon on a winning note.
Chris Katjukua scored the winning goal in the 76th minute to hand the Brave Warriors a massive three points at home. Peter Shalulile forced an own goal off Mathieu Adoassou in the 65th minute, but Ezechiel Ndouassei responded just two minutes later for the visitors.
Elsewhere in Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions who will host the 2021 showpiece were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Cape Verde. Not even the return of striker Vincent Abubacar could spur the Cameroonians who are under the tutelage of new coach Toni Conceicao.
The home side had chances with Toko Ekambi and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting coming close. Cape Verde’s best chance came with 10 minutes left but Julio Tavares could not hit the target from close range off a Heldon Ramos pass.
