Guinea Vs DR Congo

Congo DR will aim to solidify their dominance in Group H of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as they take on Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on Saturday. The Leopards are riding high with a flawless record in the qualifiers so far, while Guinea, the Syli National, are determined to secure a win to edge closer to qualification for the tournament in Morocco next year.

This clash holds significant stakes for both teams. Congo DR is eager to continue their impressive form, while Guinea faces mounting pressure from third-placed Tanzania, who are just two points behind. The Syli National need to deliver a solid performance to secure their top-two spot in the group.

Guinea comes into this crucial encounter on the back of a strong recovery in their campaign. After a shaky start, Kaba Diawara's men turned their fortunes around with two dominant victories over Ethiopia in October 2024.

In their most recent outing, Guinea swept Ethiopia aside with a commanding 3-0 win at the same venue where they will face Congo DR. Borussia Dortmund’s prolific striker, Serhou Guirassy, was the star of the show, bagging a brace to take his tally to five goals in the qualifiers. Abdoulaye Toure also got on the scoresheet, helping secure a much-needed three points.

This victory followed a 4-1 drubbing of Ethiopia earlier in the month, where Guirassy netted a stunning first-half hat-trick. These back-to-back wins revitalized Guinea's hopes of making it to Morocco, providing a stark contrast to their disappointing start to the campaign.

Their struggles were evident in the opening two matches, where Guinea suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Congo DR in September 2023, followed by a 2-1 loss to Tanzania just days later. However, the team has shown resilience, clawing their way back into contention with six points from their last two games.

Currently ranked 78th in the FIFA World Rankings, Guinea occupies the second spot in Group H with six points, just two ahead of Tanzania. The Syli National cannot afford to slip up, as the group stage nears its conclusion.

On the other side, Congo DR has been nothing short of exceptional in the qualifiers. Under the guidance of Sebastien Desabre, the Leopards boast a perfect record, winning all four of their matches without conceding a single goal.

In their latest outing, Congo DR demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess with a dramatic 2-0 victory over Tanzania. The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until substitute Meschack Elia emerged as the hero, scoring twice in the dying minutes to break Tanzanian hearts. This win further cemented their dominance in the group and showcased their ability to perform under pressure.

The Leopards’ defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success. They have kept clean sheets in all four games, highlighting a well-organized backline that has been impenetrable thus far. Offensively, they have managed to find the net six times, with a balanced contribution from various players.

Congo DR’s impressive form extends beyond the qualifiers. After narrowly missing out on a bronze medal in the 2023 AFCON, losing to South Africa on penalties in February, they have gone on a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions. This streak includes a notable 1-0 victory over Togo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The team’s confidence is soaring as they prepare to face Guinea, a side they have dominated in recent years. The Leopards have emerged victorious in their last five encounters with the Syli National, dating back to February 2016.

Guinea’s hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of Serhou Guirassy, who has been in scintillating form throughout the qualifiers. The Dortmund forward has been a nightmare for defenders, combining pace, power, and clinical finishing. His five goals in the campaign, including a hat-trick and a brace against Ethiopia, underscore his importance to the team. If Guinea is to trouble Congo DR’s watertight defense, Guirassy will need to be at his very best.

For Congo DR, Meschack Elia has proven to be a game-changer. His late brace against Tanzania showcased his knack for stepping up in critical moments. Elia’s energy, creativity, and eye for goal make him a constant threat, and he will be eager to add to his tally on Saturday.

Congo DR’s defensive solidity will undoubtedly be tested by Guinea’s attacking prowess, led by Guirassy. Sebastien Desabre’s men have excelled in maintaining their shape and frustrating opponents, but Guinea’s recent resurgence suggests they have the firepower to breach the Leopards’ backline.

Kaba Diawara is likely to adopt an aggressive approach, knowing that only a win will provide a cushion over Tanzania. Guinea’s midfield, anchored by Abdoulaye Toure, will play a crucial role in dictating the tempo and creating chances for their talismanic striker.

On the other hand, Congo DR may rely on their structured play and swift counterattacks. Their ability to remain compact defensively and exploit spaces in transition has been a hallmark of their campaign, and it could be the key to extending their perfect record.

Given their current form, Congo DR enters the game as favorites. Their 100% record in the qualifiers, coupled with their defensive strength, makes them a formidable opponent. However, Guinea’s resurgence and the presence of a clinical striker like Guirassy ensure this will be no easy task for the Leopards.

The match promises to be a tactical duel, with Guinea pushing for goals and Congo DR relying on their defensive discipline and counterattacking prowess. A draw could be a plausible outcome, but if either side manages to edge out a win, it could have significant implications for the group standings.