Seeking to pick up two straight wins and extend their lead at the top of Group D, Malawi visit the General Lansana Conte Stadium to take on Guinea in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers on Thursday.
The Syli National, who are currently on a run of five games without a win across all competitions, will set out to arrest this slump and get their campaign up and running.
Match preview
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Guinea were denied a dream start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign when they fell to a slender 1-0 defeat away to Egypt on Sunday.
After holding the Pharaohs goalless for most of the game, Galatasaray forward Mostafa Mohamed struck in the 89th minute to put the hosts ahead at the Cairo International Stadium.
Kaba Diawara's side head into Thursday's game winless in each of their last five outings, claiming two draws and losing three, including a 1-0 defeat against Gambia in the round of 16 of the 2022 AFCON back in January.
Next up for Guinea, who are eyeing a third consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece, is an opposing side who they are unbeaten against in three consecutive meetings between the teams since a 2-1 loss in 2009.
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Elsewhere, Malawi got their hunt for a place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals off to a winning note as they saw off Ethiopia 2-1 on home turf last Sunday.
Gabadinho Mhango struck twice in the first period to put the hosts ahead at the Bingu National Stadium, before Ethiopia Bunna forward Abubeker Nasir pulled one back in the 68th minute.
This followed a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Morocco in the round of 16 of the 2022 AFCON back in January, when Youssef En-Nesyri and Achraf Hakimi scored to send the Atlas Lions through to the quarter-finals.
Mario Marinica's side are now unbeaten in three of their last four outings, claiming two wins and one draw while scoring five goals and conceding three in that time.
While the Flames will look to pick up where they left off on Sunday, they have struggled for results away from home, where they are currently on an eight-game winless run across all competitions.
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Team News
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Stade Rennes forward Sehrou Guirassy was handed his international debut against Egypt last time out and the 26-year-old should retain his place in the starting XI.
Olympiacos man Aguibou Camara, who boasts three goals in 12 senior caps, should provide extra threat up top alongside 22-year-old Thierno Barry.
Liverpool star Naby Keita should start at the centre of the park once again, teaming up with former Barcelona youngster Iliax Moriba and Roma's Amadou Diawara.
As for Malawi, Mhango put on a show in Sunday's opener against Ethiopia and the Orlando Pirates forward should spearhead the attack once again.
He should be supported in the final third by 24-year-old Stan Davie, who earned his international debut against the Walia Ibex, and Polokwane City forward Khuda Muyaba.
Abate could stick with his three-man midfield of Gerald Phiri, Chimwemwe Idana and John Christopher Banda, while we could see centre-back duo of Lawrence Chaziya and 25-year-old Denis Chembezi.
Guinea possible starting lineup:
Kone; Camara, Diakhaby, Sow, Sylla; Keita, Diawara, Moriba; Barry, Camara, Guirassy
Malawi possible starting lineup:
Thom; Sanudi, Chembezi, Chaziya, Chirwa; Phiri, Banda, Idana; Mhango, Davie, Muyaba
We say: Guinea 2-1 Malawi
While Malawi will look to build on their opening-day victory, they have struggled for results away from home, where they are currently on a six-game losing streak. We predict the hosts will make amends for their defeat against Egypt and claim a slender win in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
