Stars face stern Syli National test

Harambee Stars face a stern test against a higher ranked Guinea side today in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027 qualifier, with both teams seeking their first victory in Group “D”.

The match will kick off at the 25,000-capacity Stade 28 Septembre in Conakry at 4pm local time (7pm Kenya time).

Kenya were held to a 1-1 draw by lowly ranked Eritrea at a packed Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, while Guinea lost 2-1 to South Africa at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.

Eritrea were due to host South Africa on Wednesday evening at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

Kenya have already secured a final berth by virtue of being hosts but will want to build good momentum for next year’s showdown.

Harambee Stars, who hardly trained for their match against Eritrea as players downed their tools demanding their allowances be paid, have had more time to prepare for the Syli Nationale

Kenya held their final training session at the match venue on Wednesday morning after a light session on Tuesday evening. The team also trained on Sunday and Monday before departing for Conakry.

Guinea ranked 81st in the world by Fifa, 28 places above Stars.

The Syli National also boast several players plying their trade at prominent European clubs.

They include Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who could prove a handful for Kenya’s rather shaky defence this evening.

The experienced 30-year-old has scored two goals in four Bundesliga appearances this season and another two in one Uefa Champions League match.

Guirassy played the entire 90 minutes against South Africa, but it was his attack partner Seydouba Cissé, who accounted for their lone goal.

Cissé, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Kholood, is comfortable in possession and often makes dangerous runs into the opposition box.

Another midfielder to watch is Ousmane Diabate, a Newcastle United player currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig club Genclerbirligi.

Diabate is inventive, strong at holding the ball and creating forward momentum.

Guinea’s defensive quartet of Ibrahima Fofana, Saidou Sow, Aboubacar Keita and Sekou Sylla were also impressive against South Africa by locking out lethal Bafana Bafana forwards.

They held out until the 77th minute when South Africa scored their winning goal.

Guinea coach Paulo Duarte issued a warning after their loss to South Africa.

“We are going to put everything on our side to win the remaining games and advance to the finals,” said the Portuguese.

Guinea’s attacking threat means Stars must be disciplined, particularly when building from the back.

Forwards Aliou Balde and Abdoul Traore showed against South Africa that they can punish defensive mistakes.

Stars coach Benni McCarthy, meanwhile, lamented the team’s lack of adequate preparation and off-field issues that resulted in their below-par display against Eritrea.

Despite enjoying possession, Kenya wasted several scoring opportunities, while their defence was occasionally exposed by Eritrea’s forwards.

Kenya and Guinea have met eight times, all in World Cup qualifiers, with both sides winning their home matches.

Guinea won the first meeting 4-0 on December 20, 1992, before Kenya triumphed 2-0 in the return leg on February 27, 1993.

In 1996, Guinea won 3-1 at home before Kenya responded with a 1-0 victory in the return match in 1997.

Kenya again won 2-1 at home in the 2006 World Cup qualifier in 2004, but Guinea claimed a 1-0 victory in the return leg in 2005.

The pattern continued in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, with Kenya winning 2-1 at home before Guinea edged Stars 3-2 in the return fixture.

Will the pattern repeat itself this time round?

South Africa have three points, while Kenya and Eritrea have one each.

Only one team from the group will join hosts Kenya at the 2027 Afcon finals.

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