Guinea edge past Eritrea as Madagascar’s qualification hopes suffer another setback

Guinea secured a second successive win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, but had to withstand a late Eritrea fightback to claim a 2-1 victory in Conakry.

Playing without Serhou Guirassy and several injured players, Guinea took the lead in the 13th minute at the Stade du 28 septembre. Aguibou Camara delivered a free-kick into the area and Mohamed Soumah, who plays for IK Sirius in Sweden, headed home.

The hosts had chances to strengthen their position, with striker Kerfala Cissoko missing two opportunities to make it 2-0. Eritrea responded positively and forced Guinea goalkeeper Mohamed Camara into two important saves to keep his side ahead.

Guinea manager Paulo Duarte made a bold triple substitution at half-time, replacing Yadaly Diaby, Aliou Balde and Cissoko with Thierno Barry, Yakhouba Gnagna Barry and Ousmane Camara.

The changes quickly had an effect. Yakhouba Gnagna Barry doubled Guinea’s advantage eight minutes after the restart, finishing from Morlaye Sylla’s service in the 53rd minute.

Guinea appeared to be in control, but an open final period gave both teams opportunities. Lundgren pulled one goal back for Eritrea in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense closing spell for the Syli.

The result moves Guinea level, provisionally, with South Africa, who play Kenya on Friday. Duarte’s side will face Eritrea again on Monday, when they will need another strong performance in Group D.

Only one place from the group leads to the finals because host nation Kenya is also involved in the section.

Madagascar held by Guinea-Bissau

Madagascar’s hopes of reaching the tournament are fading after the Barea were held to a 1-1 draw by Guinea-Bissau in Group L.

The match was played at a neutral venue in Meknes, Morocco, with Madagascar entering the fixture having collected only one point from their opening two games.

Warren Caddy put Madagascar in front just before the hour mark, scoring in the 59th minute. Guinea-Bissau responded late, with Renato Nhaga equalising six minutes from time.

The draw leaves Madagascar third in the group, one point behind Nigeria, who host Tanzania on Friday, and five points behind Guinea-Bissau.

With the qualifying campaign now at its halfway stage, Madagascar face an increasingly difficult task to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.