AFCON 2023: ‘It’s Life’, Says Guinea Bissau Goalkeeper Jonas Mendes After Exit From Competition

• Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes is proud of his team’s show in the AFCON 2023
• The Djurtus finished bottom of Group A with zero points after losing all three of their games
• The knockout blow came in the form of a narrow 1-0 loss to the Super Eagles of Nigeria

Guinea Bissau goalkeeper Jonas Mendes remains proud despite his team's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

The Djurtus concluded their campaign at the bottom of Group A, failing to secure any points after losing all three matches.

Their latest setback was a narrow 1-0 defeat against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday, January 22.

Despite the disappointing performance, Mendes expressed pride in his team's efforts and encouraged them to look forward to the next tournament.

In Group A, Guinea Bissau faced a challenging opening game against hosts Ivory Coast, suffering a 2-0 loss at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Saturday, January 13. This was followed by an engaging clash with Equatorial Guinea, resulting in a 4-2 loss on Thursday, January 18, as reported by Reuters.

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Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief after the match, Mendes acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stressing that such challenges are a part of life.

"Unfortunately, it's the end for us. We came with one goal, but we didn't achieve it. I am proud of the boys. We did everything that we looked for. Unfortunately, we didn't score and are going out without a point."

Mendes, who plays for Kalamata Football Club in Greece, conveyed the team's determination to learn from the experience and prepare for the upcoming competitions.

"This is life; we are going home to work because another competition is on the door. We came with one idea, but we didn't start well," he explained.

Super Eagles await last 16 opponent

Nigeria's victory over Guinea Bissau secured their place in the last 16.

The winning goal came via an Opa Sangante own goal when he accidentally diverted a Moses Simon cross into his net in the 36th minute.

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Both teams had goals disallowed in the second half for offside, with Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen also had an effort ruled out for handball, as reported by the BBC.

Jose Peseiro's side finished second in Group A, with Equatorial Guinea claiming the top spot after a 4-0 victory against hosts Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles are set to face the second-placed team from Group C, which includes Senegal, Guinea, or Cameroon, in the last 16 on Saturday, January 27.

Nigeria is prepared for any team, boasts Super Eagles star

Sports Brief reported when Nigerian international Olorunleke Ojo boasted about the team’s next opponent in the last 16.

Ojo said the Super Eagles said the team was prepared for anyone coming their way.

"The most important thing is that the energy and vibe in the team is 100 per cent,” Ojo said.