African Wild Dogs out to tear Sihlangu Semnikati apart

Guinea-Bissau will face Eswatini in their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group I match at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 6:00 pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

The last time Djurtus (African Wild Dogs) were in action was against Egypt on 10 June as the two teams drew 1-1 in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier played in Guinea-Bissau.

Therefore, Guinea-Bissau are winless in their last six matches across all competitions having registered two successive draws and four consecutive defeats.

Meanwhile, Eswatini succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their last match which was the 2024 COSAFA Cup Group A encounter played in Gqeberha on 2 July.

As a result, Sihlangu Semnikati (King's Shield) are also winless in their last six games across all competitions having recorded three defeats and three draws coming into their clash with Guinea-Bissau.

TEAM NEWS

Jonas Mendes, who is Guinea-Bissau's most capped player with 60 caps, and star forward Piqueti have been excluded from the latest squad by coach Luis Boa Morte.

Eswatini, on the other hand, have a new head coach in Zdravko Logarusic who has replaced Dominic Kunene, while Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane will serve as the assistant coach.

WHAT WAS SAID?

Guinea-Bissau head coach Luis Boa Morte

"As for Eswatini, they offer a different type of football, making the opposition's task as difficult as possible," Boa Morte told the Guinea-Bissau FA media team.

"I wouldn't say they're as strong technically, but physically they make things difficult. That's why we're hoping for a lively group stage and to be in the next Afcon."

Eswatini head coach Zdravko Logarusic

“I am truly thankful for this appointment and eager to drive the team forward. Having observed the team in action on several occasions, I recognise their immense talent," Logarusic said.

"I am ready to collaborate with the entire squad and integrate some new ideas. My experience with various national teams in Africa has prepared me for this role, and our objective will be to enhance our results, as the groundwork is already in place.”

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Guinea-Bissau and Eswatini have met two times across all competitions and the African Wild Dogs boast an unbeaten record against Sihlangu Semnikati having won both matches.

Their last meeting ended in a 3-1 win in favour of Guinea-Bissau in the 2021 Afcon qualifier played at the Mavuso Sports Centre in March 2021.