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With a place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at stake, Guinea-Bissau welcome Mozambique to Estadio 24 de Setembro on Tuesday evening. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides in this final Group I qualifier, as the hosts need a win to leapfrog their visitors into the second and final qualification spot, while Mozambique only need a draw to book their ticket to Morocco next year.

Match Preview

Guinea-Bissau’s High-Stakes Task

Guinea-Bissau have been a mainstay at AFCON finals since 2017, but their streak is under serious threat heading into this crucial fixture. Despite participating in the last four tournaments, the Wild Dogs have yet to progress past the group stage, but their ability to consistently qualify highlights their strength at this level.

Luis Boa Morte’s men started their qualification campaign brightly with a narrow 1-0 win over Eswatini, courtesy of an early strike from Bura. However, back-to-back defeats to Mozambique (2-1) and Mali (1-0) left Guinea-Bissau with a mountain to climb.

Two consecutive draws in October – against group leaders Mali and Eswatini – kept their hopes alive, but they now find themselves three points adrift of Mozambique in the final qualifying spot. With home advantage in their favour, Guinea-Bissau must go all-out for victory to avoid missing AFCON for the first time since 2015.

Mozambique’s Opportunity to Shine

Mozambique made a long-awaited return to the AFCON finals earlier this year, and they’re now on the cusp of securing back-to-back qualifications for the first time since 1986.

Chiquinho Conde’s men have showcased resilience throughout their campaign, beginning with a 1-1 draw against Mali, where they let a lead slip late on. A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in the reverse fixture further bolstered their ambitions, and four points from two matches against Eswatini in October left them in a strong position heading into the final matchday.

Their 1-0 defeat to Mali last Friday – courtesy of Kamory Doumbia’s early strike – leaves them with work to do, but a single point will be enough to punch their ticket to Morocco. Mozambique’s defensive solidity, led by the evergreen Domingues Pelembe and Reinildo Mandava, will be key in neutralising Guinea-Bissau’s attack.

Team News

Guinea-Bissau:

Carlos Mané has proven to be a crucial figure in Guinea-Bissau’s attack, contributing a goal and an assist in limited minutes during the qualifiers. His inclusion in the starting XI could come at the expense of Zidane Banjaqui.

Spearheading the attack, 25-year-old forward Beto remains a key player despite not yet finding the net in AFCON qualification. At the back, Mo Balde is expected to retain his spot in goal, while captain Nanu will marshal the defensive line.

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Mozambique:

Reinildo Mandava, fresh off a man-of-the-match performance against Guinea-Bissau in the reverse fixture, will once again be Mozambique’s defensive linchpin. Veteran Domingues Pelembe, who made his record-extending 117th appearance last time out, continues to inspire at 41 years old.

In attack, Ratifo will lead the line, while Catamo and Bauque provide creativity from wide positions. Meanwhile, midfielder Guima will be tasked with disrupting Guinea-Bissau’s rhythm in the middle of the park.

Predicted Lineups

Guinea-Bissau Starting XI:
Mo Balde; Cande, Rofino, Sangante, Nanu; Semedo, S Mane, Dalcio; C Mane, Beto, Ma Balde

Mozambique Starting XI:
Ernani; Langa, Reinildo, Mexer, Matola; Nene, Guima; Catamo, Domingues, Bauque; Ratifo

Prediction and Betting Tips

With so much on the line, this fixture promises to be a tightly contested affair. Guinea-Bissau’s need for a win will likely see them take a more attacking approach, while Mozambique’s defensive organisation and counter-attacking prowess will be their main weapon.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts:
Guinea-Bissau 1-1 Mozambique

• Both Teams to Score: Yes
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5
• Hotstat: Mozambique have kept clean sheets in three of their last five away matches.

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