AFCON 2023 – Guinea-Bissau: Alfa Semedo looking to make up for lost time
Alfa Semedo wants to make the most of AFCON 2023. Struck down by Covid in 2021, he barely played in Cameroon
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Called up to Guinea-Bissau's squad for AFCON 2021, Alfa Semedo suffered a bitter disappointment. The defensive midfielder was in Cameroon, but had to watch most of the tournament on the television in his hotel room. He had tested positive for Covid-19. He played just 15 minutes in the final group game against Nigeria. The Djurtus were eventually knocked out in the group stage with 1 solitary point (bottom place). "Last time, I was locked in my room for 10 days," Alfa Semedo told BBC Sport Africa. "It was my first Africa Cup of Nations and I couldn't help the team. This time, I want to be ready and I hope the coach calls on me." The 26-year-old is one of the 25 players selected for AFCON.
Alfa Semedo also says he has a strong bond with this national side. "It means a lot every time I play for Guinea-Bissau because that's where I grew up, watching the national team. There is nothing better than playing for your country."
Baciro Cande to lead the Djurtus
With 17 caps (2 goals), Alfa Semedo is now one of Guinea-Bissau's senior players. That is all the more so as some established players such as Piqueti (30 years old, 37 caps and 7 goals) and Jorginho (28 years old, 25 caps and 5 goals) have not been called up for the tournament, which runs from 13 January to 11 February. The Al-Tai player, who plays in Saudi Arabia, will therefore be one of Guinea-Bissau's key men as they face a tough task in Group A with Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. They will have to graft to reach the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in the country's history.
Alfa Semedo would rather put his faith in the head coach, Baciro Cande, who has been in charge of the Djurtus since 2016. "The coach has been here a long time, so he knows the players well. He knows the system, the organisation. He has built good momentum with the players. When someone new arrives, he knows how to welcome them. He knows the processes and he really understands us; we have a good relationship. It's great because he knows the country, he feels every moment on the pitch. He feels inside that he wants to do something for our country. You can see it."
Guinea-Bissau's first match is on 13 January against... Ivory Coast.