Guinea and Uganda kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, facing each other at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Friday. Both teams are drawn in Group G, along with Somalia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Algeria.
In their recent friendly against Gabon on October 17, Guinea settled for a 1-1 draw, with Serhou Guirassy scoring in the 36th minute. The Syli National has been unbeaten in their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw against Malawi in the AFCON qualifying game on September 9.
Uganda, on the other hand, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Zambia on October 17, following a 1-0 loss to Mali. The Cranes wrapped up their 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Niger on September 7, finishing third in Group F.
Guinea is optimistic about a strong start in the World Cup qualifiers, having an unbeaten record against Uganda in five of their last seven encounters. Uganda, despite recent defeats, boasts an unbeaten run in five competitive away matches since August 2022.
Guinea’s squad includes Naby Keita, who returns since a June loss against Brazil, and in-form striker Serhou Guirassy. Boluspor defender Naby Oulare earns his call-up and eyes his senior debut.
Uganda’s 26-man squad for November features SC Villa trio Kenneth Semakula, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, and Umaru Lutalo, along with foreign-based players like Austin FC’s Bobosi Byaruhanga, Leganes’ Ibrahim Juma, and Motherwell defender Bevis Kristofer Mugabi.
