Guinea hand Mohamed Richard Camara debut as Kenya visit becomes must-win

Guinea will make a change in goal for Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Kenya, with Mohamed Richard Camara set to replace Soumaila Sylla.

The decision was confirmed by Syli National manager Paulo Duarte at a news conference on Wednesday, as Guinea look to recover from their 2-1 defeat by South Africa in their opening Group D fixture.

The result leaves Guinea with little room for error. South Africa strengthened their position at the top of the group by beating Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo on Wednesday, giving the Bafana Bafana six points from two matches.

For Camara, the match represents both an international opportunity and a significant family moment.

The 26-year-old currently plays for Mechal Sport Club in Ethiopia, having previously spent time in Ghana with Asante Kotoko. He developed at the Titi Camara academy and will now be given the chance to establish himself in a Guinea goalkeeping position that has lacked a settled long-term choice in recent years.

Camara is also the son of former Syli National goalkeeper Kemoko Camara, who represented Guinea at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2008.

Kemoko Camara helped Guinea reach the quarter-finals at each of his final three appearances at the competition. Almost two decades later, his son will follow him by taking charge of the national team’s goal.

The family connection remains part of Guinea’s current football structure. Kemoko Camara is now the goalkeeping coach of the Guinea Under-17 side.

The sporting stakes are particularly high for Duarte’s team. Kenya, who host the tournament alongside other co-organising duties, are automatically qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

That means only the highest-ranked team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea in Group D will join the Harambee Stars at the finals.

Serhou Guirassy and his team-mates therefore need to respond quickly if they are to overtake South Africa. Their task has been made more manageable by the return of home advantage: Stade du 28 Septembre has now been approved by CAF, allowing Guinea to play in front of their own supporters.

Kenya’s first match offered further encouragement to the hosts. The Harambee Stars were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Eritrea, who then suffered heavily against South Africa.

With Kenya already assured of a place at the finals, Guinea’s objective is clear. Playing at home against the co-hosts, the Syli National need to claim three points to keep their qualification hopes alive.

They will attempt to do so with a new Camara protecting their goal.