Guinea and Kenya meet at the Stade du 28-Septembre in Conakry on Thursday, 1 October 2026, with both sides preparing for their second match in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Guinea manager Paulo Duarte is expected to rely on a settled core of players for the crucial fixture, with Serhou Guirassy set to lead the attack. The Borussia Dortmund striker is viewed as a key threat against the Kenyan defence and will be expected to take advantage of any chances created.
Ilaix Moriba is likely to operate in midfield, where his technical quality and experience could play an important role in controlling the game and directing Guinea’s attacks. At the back, captain Saidou Sow is expected to continue in central defence, providing leadership and defensive stability.
Guinea probable XI
Soumaila Sylla is set to start in goal, behind a four-man defence of Sekou Sylla, Aboubacar Keita, Saidou Sow and Ibrahima Fofana.
Lass Kourouma, Ilaix Moriba and Seydouba Cisse are the expected midfield three, while Abdoul Karim Traore, Serhou Guirassy and Aliou Balde are likely to form the forward line.
Guinea probable team: Soumaila Sylla; Sekou Sylla, Aboubacar Keita, Saidou Sow, Ibrahima Fofana; Lass Kourouma, Ilaix Moriba, Seydouba Cisse; Abdoul Karim Traore, Serhou Guirassy, Aliou Balde.
Kenya probable XI
Kenya manager Benni McCarthy is expected to make only limited changes to the team that faced Eritrea.
Byrne Odhiambo Omondi should retain his place in goal, with Abud Omar, Frank Odhiambo and Haniff Wesonga set to continue in the defensive line. Ronney Onyango is also included in the expected starting XI.
Manzur Okwaro is likely to remain in midfield despite making the mistake that led to Eritrea’s goal. McCarthy has publicly backed the player, indicating that he retains the manager’s confidence for the meeting with Guinea.
Okwaro is expected to play alongside Duke Abuya and Timothy Ouma in midfield. In attack, Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam and Micah Obiero are the preferred trio.
Kenya probable team: Bryne Odhiambo Omondi; Abud Omar, Frank Odhiambo, Haniff Wesonga, Ronney Onyango; Manzur Okwaro, Duke Abuya, Timothy Ouma; Job Ochieng, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero.