Guinea-Bissau played out a 1-1 draw with Madagascar at Morocco’s Meknès Honor Stadium on Thursday, handing the Super Eagles an opportunity to close the gap at the top of Group L in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Despite netting a late equaliser to snatch a point, the result means that Guinea-Bissau are currently four points above Nigeria, giving Eric Chelle’s side the chance to reduce that gap to one point when they host Tanzania on Friday.
The Djurtus went into the encounter hoping to maintain their impressive start to the qualifying campaign after recording a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in their opening fixture before securing a stunning 3-0 win against Nigeria.
However, they faced a Madagascar side desperate for their first victory after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium before playing out a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in Morocco.
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Following a cagey first half in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, Madagascar broke the deadlock in the 59th minute through Randers striker Warren Caddy, who gave his side a 1-0 advantage.
The Barea looked set to hold on for all three points as they defended their lead into the closing stages, but Guinea-Bissau found a way back into the contest through substitute Renato Nhaga.
Nhaga capitalised on a costly mistake by Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire to find the back of the net, rescuing a point for the visitors and denying Madagascar their first win of the qualifying campaign.
The draw leaves Guinea-Bissau top of Group L with seven points from three matches, while Nigeria remain second with three points. Madagascar occupy third position with two points, with Tanzania bottom of the group on one point.
The result presents an opportunity for the Super Eagles to reduce the gap at the top when they take on Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Victory over the Taifa Stars would take Nigeria to six points, leaving them just one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau as the race for the sole qualification spot in Group L continues.
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