Preview: Tanzania vs. Guinea - prediction, team news, lineups

Tanzania and Guinea face off in the final game of Group D in the African Nations Championships on Wednesday evening knowing a win for either side would guarantee qualification to the knockout rounds.

Etienne Ndayiragije's men saw off Namibia 1-0 last time out, while the Syli Nationale were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia.

Match preview

The Taifa Stars secured their spot in the tournament in dramatic style, edging out Sudan on penalties after their two-legged tie finished 2-2 on aggregate.

This is just Tanzania's second appearance in the competition, after failing to qualify since the 2009 edition, where they were eliminated at the group stages.

They ended an eight-game winless run in all competitions over the weekend thanks to Faridi Mussa's second-half strike, which will have filled them with confidence coming into this one.

Three points would guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals and give the East African nation genuine hope that they can go all the way to the showpiece event.

Guinea are top of Group D after picking up four points from their opening two games of the tournament.

Kanfory Mohamed Bangoura is in his second stint in charge of the West Africans, and he will be hoping his side can pick up the point they require to progress to the knockout stages in midweek.

Bangoura's men were denied back-to-back wins by an 87th-minute strike from Zambia's Spencer Sautu last time out, meaning only one point separates the top three teams in the group.

Guinea's best result in the competition came back in 2016 when they finished in fourth place. A repeat performance would be considered a huge success and one that the group leaders will have set their sights on.

Tanzania African Nations Championship form: LW Tanzania form (all competitions): LLDDLW

Guinea African Nations Championship form: WD Guinea form (all competitions): WWDLWD

Team News

Twenty-two-year-old winger Ayubu Lyanga is the only guaranteed absentee for Tanzania, after the Azam FC forward picked up an injury in the opening game of the championships.

Their impressive victory over the weekend means Ndayiragije is likely to stick with the same starting XI that defeated Namibia, meaning Ditram Nchimbi is set to lead the line once again.

Star striker Yakhouba Gnagna Barry bagged two goals in the opening day victory over Namibia, and his nation will once again be looking to him to provide the attacking intent.

Ismael Camara has made two appearances from the bench so far, providing one assist in his short time on the pitch, and he will be pushing for his first start in this upcoming encounter.

Tanzania possible starting lineup: Manula; Kapombe, Mwamnyeto, Protus, Manyama; Majogoro; Mhilu, Salum, Kikoti, Adam; Nchimbi

Guinea possible starting lineup: Camara; Camara, Doumbouya, Traore, Bangoura; Camara, Sylla, Kante, Coumbassa; Bangoura, Barry

We say: Tanzania 1-2 Guinea

It should be a close, tight affair between two evenly matched teams fighting for their place in the competition. We fancy Guinea to seal the victory, though, and progress to the quarter-finals given the extra quality in Bangoura's squad.

Top betting tip