The Syli National of Guinea will take on Gambia at the Africa Cup of Nations. As these teams contend with each other for three valuable points, it'll be interesting to see how things pan out after 90 minutes.
Guinea vs Gambia overview
This Group C game will take place at Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro. Kick-off time is 9 pm WAT.
Guinea
Despite being the underdogs, Guinea held their own against Cameroon in their AFCON opener. Although they had to play with 10 men for over 45 minutes, the Syli National managed to hold on for a point. Kaba Diawara's troops will fancy their chances against Gambia.
Gambia
Like Guinea, Gambia were reduced to 10 men just before the half-time whistle in their opening game. Unlike the Syli National however, Gambia suffered a 3-0 loss when they faced defending champions Senegal earlier this week.
Tom Saintfiet's side are currently at the bottom of the Group C table. They'll need to get a positive result from this match.
Guinea vs Gambia head to head
This will be the 25th encounter between these teams since they first met in May 1972. Guinea have seven wins, while Gambia came out on top on five occasions. 12 of 24 previous skirmishes between these sides ended in stalemates.
It's also fair to point out that these teams clashed in the previous edition of this competition, where Gambia won by a lone goal.
Guinea vs Gambia potential lineups
Kaba Diawara will not be able to call on the services of Serhou Guirassy, who is ruled out with an injury. Also, François Kamano was sent off a few days ago, he'll be unavailable for selection.
Guinea are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
On the other hand, Tom Saintfiet will have to do without Ebou Adams, who received his marching orders in Gambia's opening game. Saintfiet will likely adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Al Hazem's Muhammed Badammosi leading the attack.
With that being said, these are our probable Guinea vs Gambia lineups:
Guinea
Goalkeeper: Ibrahim Kone.
Defenders: Antoine Conté, Mouctar Diakhaby, Julian
Jeanvier, Sekou Sylla.
Midfielders: Morgan Guilavogui, Mory Konaté, Ilaix
Moriba, Facinet Conté.
Forwards: Aguibou Camara, Mohamed Bayo.
Gambia
Goalkeeper: Baboucarr Gaye.
Defenders: Ibou Touray, Omar Colley, James Gomez,
Saidy Janko.
Midfielders: Sulayman Marreh, Alasana Manneh,
Alieu Fadera, Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh.
Forwards: Muhammed Badammosi.
Guinea vs Gambia tactical analysis
Guinea have done fairly well in recent months. They lost just once in their last seven games, with three wins and three draws.
This is in contrast with Gambia, who are coming off three consecutive losses. Saintfiet's men have no wins in their last four matches, a four-game stretch where they conceded 10 times.
Guinea vs Gambia prediction
Taking both teams' recent form into consideration, we are leaning towards Guinea for the victory. In their last two games, they defeated three-time AFCON champions Nigeria, then proceeded to draw against five-time champions Cameroon.
Compared to these players, Gambia should be an easier nut to crack. Given that Gambia lost three consecutive games, Guinea should be able to win.
Where to watch Guinea vs Gambia live
Guineans can tune into Canal+ CAN and StarTimes for live coverage of this game.
Meanwhile GRTS Gambia and Supersport are amongst the TV options for fans who reside in The Gambia.
