Kaizer Chiefs striker Flavio Silva is on Guinea-Bissau’s list, confirmed by head coach Emiliano Té, for the games against Madagascar on 12 and 17 November in AFCON 2027 qualifying.
Flavio Silva is in. The Kaizer Chiefs striker is on Guinea-Bissau’s final list, confirmed on Tuesday by head coach Emiliano Té, according to KickOff. He has been called up for the two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar, the first on 12 November in Rabat, Morocco, the second on 17 November in Bissau.
The call-up comes as the player’s club season is disrupted by injuries. According to KickOff, he has scored just one goal for the Chiefs and has limited minutes, as in the Soweto Derby played on Saturday. He missed the last FIFA window through injury, a window in which Guinea-Bissau beat Tanzania and Nigeria.
A return after an absence
Flavio Silva only made his international debut in March, according to KickOff. His absence from the previous window, due to injury, kept him out of the meetings with Tanzania and Nigeria, two wins for the Guinea-Bissau national team.
His presence on the list for the matches against Madagascar therefore marks a return to Emiliano Té’s squad.
A stop-start season at the Chiefs
At Kaizer Chiefs, Flavio Silva is going through a difficult spell. KickOff reports that he has scored only one goal this season, with reduced playing time. Saturday’s Soweto Derby illustrated those limited minutes.
Those club difficulties did not stop Emiliano Té from selecting him for the double header, in which Guinea-Bissau will face Madagascar twice in AFCON 2027 qualifying.
Two matches, two venues
The AFCON 2027 qualifying schedule puts Madagascar on Guinea-Bissau’s path. The first match will be played on 12 November in Rabat, Morocco, as Madagascar has no CAF-approved stadium. The second is scheduled for 17 November in Bissau.
The Guinea-Bissau list does not concern Flavio Silva alone. KickOff also names Lebohang Maboe, the player’s Kaizer Chiefs teammate, who is in with South Africa, while Adolf Bitegeko has been left out of Tanzania’s list.