Guinea-Bissau coach Baciro Candé acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead as his team is drawn into Group A alongside powerhouses Nigeria, hosts Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea for the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Candé, who made history by guiding Guinea-Bissau to their first AFCON qualification in 2017, is determined to propel the Djurtus beyond the group stage in the upcoming tournament.

Despite being grouped with former champions Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, both considered favorites, Candé remains optimistic about Guinea-Bissau’s chances. In an interview with cafonline, the 56-year-old manager emphasized the unpredictability of football, stating, “Our goal is to finally get past the first round. It’s true that our group is very tough with opponents like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, but anything is possible in football; anything is possible.”

Guinea-Bissau is set to face the challenging task of opening the AFCON against hosts Cote d’Ivoire before taking on Equatorial Guinea in subsequent matchdays. The climax of their group stage journey will be a crucial encounter against three-time winners Nigeria, potentially determining their fate in the tournament. Candé’s confidence and ambition highlight the team’s determination to make history once again by advancing to the knockout rounds amidst tough competition in Côte d’Ivoire.