Guinea: Five key facts ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Afcon qualifying opener

Bafana Bafana begin a new era under coach Pitso Mosimane against Guinea in their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa will be aiming for victory on home soil as they start their Group D campaign, which also includes co-host Kenya and Eritrea. Before the match, here are five key facts about Guinea, known as the Syli National – meaning national elephants.

No players based in Guinea

The Guinea squad contains no players currently based in the domestic league. Instead, the team is made up entirely of footballers playing in European leagues and Saudi Arabia.

That overseas experience is particularly evident in the squad’s attacking options, with several players competing at a high level outside Guinea.

Guirassy leads the attack

Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy is the main threat in Guinea’s forward line and arrives in good scoring form.

He has scored four goals across all competitions this season, with two coming in the Bundesliga and two in the Uefa Champions League.

Guinea also have Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba among their notable players, while Saidou Sow provides defensive strength at centre-back. Sow plays for French Ligue 2 club Nantes.

Guinea hold the head-to-head advantage

The Syli National have proved difficult opponents for South Africa in previous meetings.

The teams have faced each other four times, with Guinea winning two matches, Bafana Bafana claiming one victory and the remaining game ending in a draw.

That record gives Guinea the statistical edge before the latest contest, despite South Africa’s superior position in the current Fifa rankings.

South Africa are higher in the rankings

The latest Fifa rankings place Bafana Bafana 54th in the world, 27 places above Guinea, who are ranked 81st.

South Africa also have the advantage in the continental standings. Bafana are ranked 10th in Africa, while Guinea occupy 31st place.

The Syli National are without a win in four friendlies

Guinea’s recent friendly record offers South Africa some encouragement, with the team failing to win any of their last four matches.

They suffered defeats against Northern Ireland and Benin, while their other two fixtures ended in draws against Niger and Botswana.

Bafana Bafana will therefore hope to combine home advantage with their higher ranking and make a winning start under Mosimane, while Guinea will look to their strong previous record against South Africa and their experienced overseas-based squad.