Following a narrow 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer has shifted his focus to the decisive match against Tanzania in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The hard-fought win at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpé on Saturday leaves Guinea well-positioned in Group H but still in need of a strong finish to secure qualification.
Reflecting on the win, Dussuyer acknowledged the challenges posed by a resilient Congolese side.
“We faced a very tough team, one of the best on the continent at the moment,” the French coach said during the post-match press conference.
Despite the difficulties, he praised his players for their composure and determination. “The players remained focused and did not lose their composure, and their efforts were rewarded with a late goal.”
The decisive goal came at a crucial moment, solidifying Guinea’s hold on second place in the group standings with nine points, behind group leaders Algeria.
High Stakes in the Final Match
Guinea now turns its attention to the final group match against Tanzania, scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania, sitting third in the group with six points, remains in contention for a qualification spot, adding intensity to the upcoming clash.
Dussuyer is fully aware of the stakes and the pressure both teams will face. “There will be a lot of pressure for both sides,” he admitted.
However, the coach remains optimistic about his team’s chances, emphasizing the importance of organization and tactical discipline.
“We have a qualification to go for. If we manage to stay organized and maintain a compact block like we did tonight, we can achieve our goal.”
Team Resilience Key to Success
As Guinea prepares for the final showdown, Dussuyer is counting on his team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion.
The Syli National’s performance against the DR Congo demonstrated their capacity to grind out results under pressure, a trait that will be vital in Tanzania.
With qualification for the prestigious tournament within reach, Guinea must deliver another focused and disciplined performance.
The match against Tanzania promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Group H, with both teams vying for a place in the AFCON 2025 finals.
