Preview:Somalia vs Guinea - prediction, team news, lineups

Somalia welcome Guinea to the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Both nations sit at the bottom end of the table and will be eager to restore some pride in what has been a difficult campaign.

Match preview

It has been a campaign to forget for Somalia, who sit bottom of the group with just one point from six matches, suffering five defeats along the way.

The Ocean Stars have scored only three goals while conceding 11, and their hopes of qualification are long gone.

Yusuf Ali Nur’s men have not won in their last eight games across all competitions and head into this clash without a goal in their last two fixtures.

Their only meeting with Guinea came in March, ending in a goalless draw, and they will be desperate to secure a first win of the qualifiers this time around.

Guinea have not fared much better, sitting second from bottom with seven points from six matches.

The Syli National have managed two wins, one draw and three defeats, scoring five goals and conceding four.

Despite their struggles, they remain the only side to have beaten group leaders Algeria in this campaign, claiming a famous 2-1 win last year.

However, inconsistency continues to plague them, as that victory over Algeria was followed by a 1-0 loss to Mozambique.

Their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing third in their group, ultimately cost Michel Dussuyer his position.

New coach Paulo Duarte, appointed in August 2025, now takes charge of his first competitive match and will be keen to start on a positive note.

The Portuguese tactician faces a tough task, as Guinea have lost their last two away games and have failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last 10 outings.

Ranked 81st in the world and still chasing a maiden World Cup appearance, Guinea will see this as a must-win to restore belief, while Somalia will hope to exploit their opponent’s transitional phase.

Somalia World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Somalia form (all competitions):

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Guinea World Cup Qualifying - Africa form:

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Guinea form (all competitions):
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Team News

Somalia are boosted by the return of midfielder Abdi Sharif after nearly two years away from international football.

New call-ups Faisal Osman and forward Ayub Abdulkadir also join the squad as Nur looks to freshen his options.

For Guinea, Stuttgart’s in-form striker Serhou Guirassy leads the attack, supported by experienced names like Mouctar Diakhaby, Issiaga Sylla and Abdoulaye Toure.

New faces include Aboubacar Bachir Bangoura and Alhassane Bangoura, both standouts from the 2025 CHAN, alongside Genk youngster Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.

Notably, Naby Keita once again misses out after declining a recall in March, while Mohamed Bayo and Ilaix Moriba are also excluded.

Goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone and midfielder Mory Konate return after missing previous squads.

Somalia possible starting lineup:

Mohamud Jama; Abdulle, Ali, A. Omar, Farah; M. Omar, Abdullahi; Habib, Adan Iman, Musse; Mohamed Ahmed

Guinea possible starting lineup:

Sylla; I. Sylla, Diakhaby, Camara, D. Sylla; Toure, M. Camara; Soumah, Cisse, Balde; Guirassy

We say: Somalia 0-1 Guinea

Guinea’s greater quality and experience should be enough to edge past a struggling Somali side, though it may not be a straightforward night for Duarte in his first game in charge.

A narrow away victory looks the most probable outcome.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.