By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Guinea’s Syli National continued their push for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eritrea at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Paulo Duarte’s men collected three important points in their third Group D fixture, although they had to withstand a late Eritrean fightback to protect their advantage and record a second consecutive victory in the qualifying campaign.
The hosts took control early, with defender Mohamed Soumah opening the scoring in the 13th minute. The IK Sirius defender rose highest to meet Aguibou Camara’s delivery from a corner kick, directing a powerful header beyond Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan to give Guinea a deserved lead.
Guinea maintained their attacking intent but were unable to extend their advantage before the interval. Duarte subsequently made important changes at half-time, introducing Yakhouba Gnagna Barry, Thierno Barry and Ousmane Camara in an attempt to strengthen his team’s attacking threat.
The substitutions quickly paid dividends. Yakhouba Gnagna Barry doubled Guinea’s advantage in the 53rd minute, finishing after good work from Morlaye Sylla to put the hosts in a comfortable position at 2-0. The Horoya AC forward made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, giving Guinea greater attacking presence.
However, Eritrea refused to surrender. The visitors gradually grew into the contest and began putting the Guinean defence under pressure. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Maill Lundgren reduced the deficit to 2-1, setting up a nervous conclusion at the Stade du 28 Septembre.
Guinea goalkeeper Mohamed Richard Camara proved crucial during the difficult closing stages, producing important interventions to deny Eritrea an equaliser. The Syli National eventually held on to secure all three points, although the late pressure will give Duarte plenty to reflect on ahead of the return encounter.
The victory takes Guinea to six points from three matches, provisionally level with Group D leaders South Africa, who have a game in hand. Eritrea remain on one point after three outings, with their hopes of reaching the continental tournament becoming increasingly complicated.
The qualification picture in Group D is particularly interesting because Kenya, one of the 2027 AFCON co-hosts, is already assured of a place at the finals. Consequently, only the highest-placed team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will secure the additional qualification ticket from the group.
Guinea will have little time to celebrate, with the two nations scheduled to meet again on Monday, November 16, in Cairo, Egypt. Another victory would strengthen the Syli National’s challenge for the group’s sole remaining qualification position and maintain pressure on South Africa.
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