Guinea overcome Eritrea as Sekou Soumah highlights key performers and defensive concerns

Guinea secured a second successive victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers by beating Eritrea at the General Lansana Conte Stadium in Nongo.

The result followed the Syli national’s defeat by South Africa on the opening day and strengthened their position ahead of the return fixture against Eritrea in Asmara in a few days’ time.

Guinea achieved the win despite being without several established players. With only 48 hours remaining before kick-off, just eight of the 25 players called up were present. The absence of injured striker Serhou Guirassy further complicated preparations.

In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, coach Sekou Soumah, also known as “Diego”, praised the determination shown by the squad in what he described as an unusual set of circumstances.

Barry among Guinea’s standout performers

Guinea took control of the match early and went ahead in the 13th minute through central defender Mohamed Soumah.

The hosts carried their 1-0 advantage into half-time before Paulo Duarte made changes after the interval. Yakhouba Gnagna Barry, the Horoya AC centre-forward, came on in the 46th minute and doubled Guinea’s lead seven minutes later.

Barry was included among Soumah’s leading performers, alongside Mamadou Diabate, Aguibou Camara, Morlaye Sylla and Richard.

Their contribution helped Guinea claim an important home victory, although Eritrea offered resistance and did not arrive in Nongo simply to defend. The result leaves Guinea with momentum before the teams meet again in Asmara.

Defensive trio singled out for criticism

Despite the players’ commitment and their desire to win in front of their home supporters, Guinea struggled to maintain control of the game for its full duration.

Eritrea repeatedly threatened the hosts, placing pressure on a defence that found it difficult to contain the visitors’ attacks. Ibrahima Fofana, Aboubacar Keita and Sekou Oumar Sylla were identified among the players who endured a challenging evening.

They were named in Soumah’s list of underperformers, along with Fofana, Keita and Sylla, in contrast to the more positive assessment of Barry, Diabate, Aguibou, Morlaye and Richard.

Eritrea will next face Guinea in the fourth round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The match is scheduled to take place in the coming days in Asmara.

The quoted pre-match betting prices listed Eritrea at 12.00 to win, with a draw at 5.30 and Guinea at 1.20.