Debutants Guinea Bissau name preliminary Nations Cup squad

Former Everton midfielder Francisco Junior, an ex-Portugal youth international, is included in Guinea Bissau’s squad

Nine new players have been named by Guinea Bissau in a preliminary squad of 35 for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in a bid to boost their chances of continuing their fairytale run in Gabon.

They include former Everton starlet Francisco Junior who is now based in Norway, and a former Portuguese youth international called Pele.

The small West African country, who will make their debut in Gabon, are the first of the 16 participants to announce a shortlist for the finals.

They will play the opening match against the hosts in Libreville on 14 January having eliminated two former champions – Congo Brazzaville and Zambia – in the qualifiers and despite a lack of cash for preparations

Guinea Bissau’s coach Baciro Cande has picked a squad entirely made up of players based in Europe, including some without clubs, and while many of the newcomers will strengthen the team, he has not been able to add others – including Barcelona’s Edgar le and the Leeds United teenager Ronald Vieria.

Among the newcomers are striker …

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