Malawi and Guinea draw the curtain in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
The Syli National, who are second in the group standings, have already booked their spot in Ivory Coast and will be looking to wrap up the qualifying campaign on a winning note.
Match preview
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Malawi's dreams of a second Africa Cup of Nations appearance in the last three years came to an end on June 20 when they were held to a goalless draw by Ethiopia
The Flames were guilty of a lack of sting at the attacking end of the pitch once again as they failed to threaten the hosts before settling for a share of the spoils at the Bingu National Stadium.
Since kicking off the qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia on June 5, Malawi have failed to win their four subsequent Group D matches, picking up one draw and losing three in that time.
This underwhelming run has been owing to their struggles in front of goal as they have failed to find the back in each of their last four qualifying games while conceding seven.
With just four points from a possible 15, Patrick Mabedi's men are currently bottom but one in Group D, level on points with last-placed Ethiopia, who take on Egypt in the other group fixture on Friday.
Malawi head into the weekend fresh off the back of a disappointing run in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, they finished fourth after suffering a penalty-shootout loss to South Africa in June's third-placed playoff.
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Guinea, on the other hand, were left empty handed for the second consecutive game as they suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Brazil in a friendly encounter on June 17.
In a one-sided affair at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat, Joelinton and the Real Madrid trio of Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior all found the back of the net to hand the Selecao a comfortable victory.
This followed a 2-1 defeat against Egypt at the Stade de Marrakech on June 14 which saw their run of three back-to-back wins in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers come to an end.
With three wins from their five matches in Group D, Kaba Diawara's side are currently second in the standings, three points off first-placed Egypt and five above Malawi heading into the final group game.
Guinea will be backing themselves to return to winning ways this weekend as they take on an opposing side who have lost their last three meetings, stretching back to a goalless draw in March 2016.
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Team News
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Malawi have named 27 players for this weekend's showdown, including the Silver Striker trio of defender Tatenda M'balaka, midfielder Chikondi Kamanga and striker Afiel Kaduya.
Black Leopards goalkeeper Brighton Munthali is one of four foreign-based players in the squad, alongside John Banda, Costa Do Sol striker Richard Mbulu, and Zanaco forward Chawanangwa Kaonga, while 25-year-old midfielder Chimwemwe Idana is suspended following his booking against Guinea.
Mbulu started the qualifying game against Ethiopia back in June and should retain his role in the Malawi attack, teaming up with Lanjesi Nkhoma and Kaonga.
Guinea, on the other hand, have called up an experienced squad for Saturday's tie, with veteran goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone and Naby Keita headlining the squad.
Former Liverpool midfielder Keita grabbed a 91st-minute winner to see off Malawi in the reverse fixture back in July 2022 and should captain the side from the center of the park once again.
Malawi possible starting lineup:
Munthali; Lungu, Chembezi, Mwale, Sanudi; Saizi, Willard, Banda; Nkhoma, Kaonga, Mbulu
Guinea possible starting lineup:
Kone; Conte, Sow, Diakhaby, I Sylla; Diawara, Moriba; Guilavogui, Keita, Kamano; Guirassy
We say: Malawi 0-1 Guinea
While Malawi and Guinea have nothing at stake here, we anticipate an action-packed affair at the Bingu National Stadium nonetheless. Given the gulf in quality and experience between the two sides, we see Guinea coming out on top in this one.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
