Harambee Stars 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign went from bad to worse after a 1-0 away defeat to Guinea in their Matchday 2 fixture on Thursday evening at Stade 28 Septembre in Conakry.
Kenya were on the road seeking redemption following a 1-1 draw against Eritrea last week in Nairobi, hoping to at least get something from the game.
However, Guinea, who had suffered a 2-1 defeat to South Africa, ensured they claimed all three points on home soil, thanks to Serhou Guirassy first half goal.
The result also extended Kenya’s winless run away against the Syli National. This was the fifth time the two sides had met in Guinea, with Harambee Stars still searching for their first victory on their opponents’ turf.
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Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy made four changes to the team that drew against Eritrea, with Manzur Okwaro shifting to left-back as Mike Kibwage started in central defense alongside Frank Odhiambo.
Duke Abuya captained the team, partnering Crispine Erambo and Ben Stanley Omondi in midfield, while Mohammed Bajaber was handed a starting berth in attack.
The hosts took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Aliou Baldé played a neat flick to Serhou Guirassy, who teed the ball back to him.
Harambee Stars midfielder Crispine Erambo won the ball but didn’t find space to clear, which ultimately fell into the hands of Guirassy, with the Borussia Dortmund man striking past Byrne Omondi.
At the stroke of halftime, Kenya got a chance to equalize the scores as Job Ochieng entered the box nicely, but a heavy touch from Ben Stanley meant the Stars could not convert.
It would prove a disaster as Harambee almost conceded immediately from a turnover, with Diabaté threading a long through-pass from deep in his own half finding Abdoul Karim Traoré, who forced a wonderful save from Byrne Omondi for a corner.
The Stars emerged from the break aiming to get the leveler by making a double substitution, introducing Ryan Ogam and Timothy Ouma for Micah Obiero and Job Ochieng respectively.
The double sub would almost bear fruit after ten minutes as Ryan Ogam hit a perfect strike saved by goalkeeper Mohamed Camara. Kenya would enter their third substitution at the hour mark, making another attacking change as pacy Shariff Musa replaced Mohammed Bajaber on the left.
Despite the tactical adjustments and second-half pressure, Guinea held firm to preserve their clean sheet and secure all three points.
The narrow victory in Conakry breathes new life into the Syli National’s qualifying journey, propelling them straight into second place in the Group D standings after successfully collecting their first three points of the campaign.
Having suffered an opening-day defeat to South Africa, Paulo Duarte’s side showed immense grit to respond when it mattered most on home soil. Meanwhile, South Africa firmly maintains control at the summit of the group, boasting a maximum six points following their dominant 5-0 victory over Eritrea.
For the Harambee Stars,Benni McCarthy’s squad now shifts their full attention and momentum toward the next assignment as they pack their bags and head to Rwanda. There, they are set to square off against the Amavubi Stars in a friendly match on Monday ,6th October.
Guinea vs Kenya lineups
Guinea Starting XI: Mohamed Camara, Aboubacar Kobole Keita, Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahim Breze Fofana, Sekou Oumar Sylla, Ousmane Diabaté, Seydouba Cissé, Abdoul Karim Traoré, Aliou Baldé, Serhou Guirassy, Yadaly Diaby
Harambee Stars Starting XI: Byrne Omondi, Ronney Onyango, Michael Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Manzur Okwaro, Duke Abuya, Chrispine Erambo, Micah Obiero, Job Ochieng, Ben Stanley, Mohammed Bajabe