Is Zinho Gano a key player for Guinea-Bissau at the 2024 AFCON games?

• He is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for SV Zulte Waregem
• He also plays his father’s native land Guinea-Bissau
• He was on loan at Lommel United

Zinho Gano is a Belgian-born professional footballer who plays as a forward for SV Zulte Waregem and the Guinea-Bissau national team and could be a potential player for Guinea-Bissau at the AFCON 2024 games. He was born in Belgium to a Guinea-Bissau father and a Belgian mother. His football journey began at KSK Warve Sport when he was young where he developed his talent and skills before enrolling with Club Brugge’s prestigious youth academy.

While at the academy, the player honed his skills and learned the intricacies of professional football. His performance was very impressive in the youth ranks though he faced fierce competition for a first-team spot at Brugge.

He was loaned to Lommel United in the Belgian second division and in his first season, his performance was excellent enough to even earn him the league’s second-highest scorer. In the following season, he was loaned to Royal Mouscron in the first division.

The forward player then joined Waasland-Beveren when he signed a three-year contract and quickly became a key player in the team. In his first season with the club, he helped the team finish in 10th place in the Belgian First Division.

Zinho Gano. Photo/HLN

His performance at the club continued being productive in the following seasons until his tenure was over then joined KV Oostende on a loan where he attracted the KRC Genk, and then to another stint at Royal Antwerp.

His loan at Antwerp was not productive and he returned to Zulte Waregem where he is a key player and internationally, he is a key member of the Guinea Bissau national team.

Zinho Gano’s Early and Personal Life

Zinho Gano was born on October 13 1993 in Mechelen, Belgium to a Bissau-Guinean father and a Belgian mother. He spent his early life surrounded by the two cultures, which fostered a deep connection to both his heritage and homeland.

The forward started playing football at a young age, demonstrating his natural talent and athleticism at KSK Wavre Sport, a local club. He then joined Club Brugge’s prestigious youth academy, immersing himself in a professional environment. Since then, he has been to several clubs and on several loan stints.

Zinho Gano Career Journey

His football journey began at KSK Warve Sport when he was young where he developed his talent and skills before enrolling with Club Brugge’s prestigious youth academy.

While at the academy, the player honed his skills and learned the intricacies of professional football. His performance was very impressive in the youth ranks though he faced fierce competition for a first-team spot at Brugge.

He was loaned to Lommel United in the Belgian second division and in his first season, his performance was excellent enough to even earn him the league’s second-highest scorer. In the following season, he was loaned to Royal Mouscron in the first division.

The forward player then joined Waasland-Beveren when he signed a three-year contract and quickly became a key player in the team. In his first season with the club, he helped the team finish in 10th place in the Belgian First Division.

His performance at the club continued being productive in the following seasons until his tenure was over then joined KV Oostende on a loan where he attracted the KRC Genk, and then to another stint at Royal Antwerp.

Zinho Gano. Photo/De Morgen

His loan at Antwerp was not productive and he returned to Zulte Waregem where he is a key player and internationally, he is a key member of the Guinea Bissau national team.

Is Zinho Gano a potential at the 2024 AFCON?

The forward’s participation in the 2024 AFCON  is a fascinating possibility. He has been a regular starter for  Guinea-Bissau with a history of several goals and his experience could be crucial for a team aiming to make a good impression at the AFCON.

On the other hand, Guinea-Bissau has other talented attackers like Mama Balde, Piqueti Djassi and Jorginho, creating potential competition for starting positions.