Guinea-Bissau Goalkeeper Doubtful for Senegal Clash

Guinea-Bissau could be without first-choice goalkeeper Jonas Mendes when they face Senegal in the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 30-year-old custodian suffered an ankle injury during Black Leopards’ 4-0 win over the North West University in the Nedbank Cup a fortnight ago.

Mendes has since undergone surgery and now is a serious doubt for the Senegal clash given the quick turnaround, as Leopards are yet to provide an official diagnosis on his injury.

“Mendes had a successful ankle injury on Thursday. He might be out of action this season but has shown immense strength at the height of this situation. We stand by him and pray for full recovery,” a source at the club told Ducor Sports.

Mendes has established himself as Leopards’ first-choice goalkeeper since joining as a free agent after leaving Académico Viseu FC of Portugal at the end of his contract in June last year.

Guinea-Bissau face Senegal in back-to-back qualifiers in March as they look to move to best two positions of Group I, which includes Eswatini and Congo.

Mendes has 30 international caps since making his debut in June 2010 and has been Guinea Bissau’s player of the year five years running.