Guinea-Bissau have withdrawn from the ongoing 2026 WAFU-A U-20 male Tournament in Mali, forcing the organisers to revise Group B just a day before their scheduled opening match against Sierra Leone’s Shooting Stars.
The West African Football Union (WAFU-A) confirmed the withdrawal in a statement issued on Thursday, October 15, 2026, but did not disclose the reason behind Guinea-Bissau’s decision to pull out of the tournament.
The withdrawal comes as Sierra Leone prepares to begin their campaign in the regional competition, which also serves as the qualifying tournament for next year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
As a result of Guinea-Bissau’s pullout from the tournament ongoing in Mali, Group B, originally featuring four teams, will now comprise Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Senegal.
While the late change could affect the Shooting Stars of Sierra Leone October 16 opener, as well as the overall Group B qualification calculations, WAFU A’ said it would keep stakeholders informed of further developments but offered no explanation for Guinea-Bissau’s withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the Shooting Stars’ camp in Mali remains calm and focused. According to team media officer Alie Sesay, “The Sierra Leone squad remains ready and determined to adapt to the revised format as they pursue a second consecutive appearance at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The tournament kicked off yesterday with Mali suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Guinea, while Liberia and The Gambia played to a draw.
Today’s match features Senegal facing off against Mauritania, following the withdrawal of Guinea-Bissau from the competition.
