World Cup (Q): Guinea-Bissau overcome stubborn Djibouti

Guinea-Bissau scored twice in the second half to overcome a very rigid Djibouti side on Monday in their Group A encounter from 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying. It was a much-improved performance from the Shoremen of the Red Sea after conceding six against Burkina Faso a few days ago.

The Djurtus were all over the away side in the first half but a spirited performance from the East African nation stunned the home side. The experienced Bissau-Guinean attacking line could not penetrate the resilient Djibouti side during the half. The first half’s best chance came from Franculino Dju, whose shot was well saved by Djibouti keeper Omar Mohamed.

Djibouti sought to continue the second half with the same approach, but the plan failed to work after Iano Simao opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box. Fali Candé put the game to bed eight minutes before time as Emiliano Té registered his first win as coach of Guinea-Bissau.

Djibouti remain winless in the group with a single point after suffering their sixth loss of the campaign. Guinea-Bissau are now third with ten points as they aim for a playoff position.

Group A Table

1. Egypt- 19 points (7 matches played)
2. Burkina Faso- 14 points (7 matches)
3. Guinea-Bissau- 10 points (8 matches)
4. Sierra Leone- 9 points (7 matches)
5. Ethiopia- 6 points (7 matches)
6. Djibouti- 1 point (8 matches)
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