Guinea-Bissau maintained its hopes of qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CAN) after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Eswatini. Now, everything will be decided in the head-to-head match against Mozambique in the final round.

The decisive match will take place next Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau. The "Djurtus" need a victory by at least two goals to secure a spot in the finals, to be played in Morocco.

Meanwhile, Cape Verde was eliminated after a draw with Egypt, ending their hopes of progressing to the final in Morocco.

In the match against Eswatini, held in Mbombela, South Africa, the Guinea-Bissau national team struggled offensively. Even with renowned players like Mama Baldé, Beto, and Zidane Banjaqui, the team led by Luís Boa Morte faced a solid barrier set up by the opposing coach, Zdravko Logarusic.

The first half was marked by a lack of creativity from the "Djurtus," who were unable to break through the opposing defense. In the second half, the team stepped up its attack, with Carlos Mané scoring the equalizer in the 87th minute, a quick move that brought relief to the team and fans.

In the 81st minute, Eswatini surprised with a goal from Philani Thabo Mkhonto, creating intense tension among the "Djurtus." However, despite the equalizer in the 87th minute, the lack of synergy between the attackers remained evident, compromising their finishing. With this result, Guinea-Bissau now has five points, trailing Mozambique, which has eight.

After the final whistle, Carlos Teixeira, president of the Guinea-Bissau Football Federation, reinforced his confidence in the "Djurtus" and asked the players to remain calm and the people to show confidence because he believes in the country's chances of qualifying for the CAN2025, to be held in Morocco.

While Guinea-Bissau fought for a point against Eswatini, Mozambique faced Mali at the Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo. However, the "Mambas" lost 1-0 in a tense match marked by a heavy police presence due to the post-election protests that have plagued the country.

With a solid defense and quick transitions, the Mozambicans showed consistency, but Kamory Doumbia's goal in the 19th minute ended the Mozambican attack and gave Mali the victory.

With this result, Mali secured the lead in Group I, with 11 points, while Mozambique remains in second place with 8 points, followed by Guinea-Bissau with 5. This result postponed the qualification of the "Mambas" until the last round, leaving the team with the obligation to at least draw against Guinea-Bissau to guarantee qualification.

The match between Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique will be a true final and promises to be a spectacle of football and excitement, with several possible outcomes. To seal their qualification, the "Mambas" need a draw or a win to advance Mozambique to the 2025 African Cup of Nations. But a victory for the "Djurtus" by a margin of two or more goals will put Guinea-Bissau in the finals.

If the goal difference between the teams is minimal, other tiebreakers, such as goals scored and away goals, will come into play. Given this scenario, both teams will need to maintain absolute focus from start to finish.

The pressure on the Guineans is enormous. Besides the need for a win, the recent history between the two teams favors Mozambique, who defeated the "Djurtus" 2-1 in the first round. If they win by a two-goal margin, Guinea-Bissau will surpass the Mozambicans on goal difference, thus securing second place in the group.

Luís Boa Morte will have to overcome his team's offensive limitations and adopt an attacking approach in the match against Mozambique, maximizing the potential of players like Mama Baldé and Beto, who require greater synchronization on the field. Furthermore, the coach must explore tactical alternatives, such as those used against Eswatini, when he made five substitutions that altered the team's rhythm.

Mozambique, on the other hand, led by coach Chiquinho Conde, is betting on a balanced tactical approach and defensive solidity with quick counterattacks, with players like Geny Catamo, who started against Mali, standing out. The team knows a draw is enough, but they can't underestimate the Guineans' ambition.

While Guinea-Bissau is still fighting for qualification, Cape Verde bowed out of the competition after drawing at home to Egypt in Praia. The "Blue Sharks" needed a win to keep their hopes alive, but were thwarted by an already qualified Egypt side. Despite coach Hossam Hassan resting several starters, the result didn't affect their performance.

Egypt opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with Mohamed exploiting a defensive lapse. Cape Verde started the match at home to the Pharaohs, without Salah, and tried to respond in the second half, with Ryan Mendes converting a penalty in the 63rd minute. However, despite the pressure in the final minutes, the Cape Verdeans were unable to secure the victory.

This draw condemned Cape Verde, who finished with just four points in Group C, behind Botswana (seven points) and Egypt (thirteen points).

Cape Verde's elimination in the group stage marks the end of a campaign that fell short of expectations. After participating in two consecutive editions of the AFCON, the "Blue Sharks" failed to replicate their previous success and will not be attending the 2025 AFCON. Furthermore, the team faced tactical and defensive challenges that compromised their results.

In Group C, Cape Verde was defeated by Botswana, which benefits from head-to-head record, and Mauritania, which still has a chance of qualifying. Despite the elimination, the Cape Verdeans showed determination, and their captain, Ryan Mendes, promised to continue leading the team to future victories.

For Cape Verde, the journey ended with important lessons for the future. However, the final round of qualifying for the 2025 African Nations Cup will be decisive for Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique.

Anticipation for the decisive duel couldn't be higher. With the dream of representing their countries on the continental stage, the "Djurtus" and the "Mambas" will face a test of strength, determination, and strategy.

The 24 de Setembro National Stadium in Bissau will be the stage for a clash that will determine the fate of two teams and the dreams of thousands of fans.