Serhou Guirassy scored the only goal as Guinea beat Kenya 1-0 in Conakry to secure their first points of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Borussia Dortmund striker struck in the 32nd minute at the 28 September Stadium, giving the Syli national a crucial victory after their opening-day defeat by South Africa.
Guirassy’s goal also moved him into the top 10 of Guinea’s all-time leading scorers, taking his international tally to 12 goals.
The forward was used as the main attacking outlet and made an immediate impact when he converted his first clear opportunity before half-time. His effort proved sufficient to settle the match and give Guinea a much-needed three points in Group D.
Guinea had begun their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 loss to South Africa, leaving them needing a response against Kenya. The victory has now put them back in contention as they attempt to keep pace with the group leaders.
South Africa currently lead Group D on six points after victories over both Guinea and Eritrea.
For Guirassy, the match was significant beyond the three points. His latest goal means he has reached the same international total as three former Guinea internationals: Fodé Camara, Ibrahim “Petit Sory” Keïta and Mohamed Lamine Yattara.
The figures, according to the RSSSF’s historical records, place Guirassy among the most prolific scorers in the history of the Syli national.
Only a handful of players have scored more goals for Guinea. Ibrahima Kandia Diallo holds the national record with 33 goals, while Pascal Feindouno is second on 30 and Titi Camara has 27.
Guirassy’s rise up the scoring charts comes after 28 appearances for Guinea. His 12 goals have been spread across different types of international fixtures.
Eight of his goals have come in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying across his campaigns, while he has also scored three times in friendly matches and once during World Cup qualifying.
The victory over Kenya therefore combined an important team result with another landmark in Guirassy’s international career.
Having been deployed at the centre of Guinea’s attack, the Dortmund forward delivered the decisive moment of the match with his first clear opportunity, scoring before the interval and giving his side a lead they would maintain until the final whistle.
The result gives Guinea an opportunity to rebuild their qualifying campaign after the setback against South Africa.
The Syli national now need to build on their victory over Kenya if they are to remain close to the teams competing at the top of Group D.
South Africa’s six points leave them in control of the group at this stage, following their wins over Guinea and Eritrea. Guinea’s victory, meanwhile, provides the side with its first three points and keeps their hopes of reaching AFCON 2027 alive.
Guirassy’s contribution has added another notable chapter to his international record. By reaching 12 goals, he has joined Camara, Keïta and Yattara on the same mark and moved into the top2 10 of Guinea’s leading scorers.
With Guinea now back among the points, the challenge will be to maintain that momentum in the remaining qualifying campaign and close the gap on the teams above them.
