Match Overview
Ethiopia will aim to secure their first win of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Guinea in the second leg of their October double-header on Monday. Guinea, having achieved a decisive victory in their previous encounter, seeks to extend their winning streak over the home side.
Match Preview
Ethiopia’s quest for a successful qualifying campaign suffered a setback on Saturday as they endured a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Guinea. The standout performer for Guinea was Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who scored a first-half hat-trick, while Canaan Markneh managed to pull one back for Ethiopia shortly after halftime.
Prior to this match, Ethiopia had kicked off their AFCON qualifying journey with a goalless draw against Tanzania on September 4, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Congo DR. Gebremedhin Haile’s side is now on a disheartening streak, failing to win any of their last eight competitive matches, with four draws and four losses, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in a World Cup qualifier.
Guinea, under head coach Charly Paquille, found relief with their emphatic win on Saturday after losing their first two qualifying matches. They began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Congo DR, followed by a 2-1 defeat against Tanzania. With three points from their opening three matches, Guinea currently sits third in Group H, just behind second-placed Tanzania, and two points above Ethiopia, who languish at the bottom of the group.
Team News
Following the disappointing defeat, Ethiopia may consider defensive changes, with Ramkel James expected to start in place of Yared Baye after coming on at halftime in the previous match. However, the front three is likely to remain the same, featuring Chernet Gugsa, Markneh, and Abel Yalew. In midfield, Surafel Dagnachew, Gatoch Panom, and Abinet Demissie are anticipated to be included in the starting lineup.
For Guinea, Serhou Guirassy will lead the attack once more after his standout performance, boasting nine goals in seven games this season for club and country. Mady Camara, who was substituted due to injury late in the previous match, is a doubt for Monday’s clash. If he is unable to play, Cheick Oumar Conde will likely step in, partnering with Seydoubah Cisse and Abdoulaye Toure in midfield.
Possible Lineups
Ethiopia:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Habtamu; Hamid, James, Kasa, Berhane; Panom, Demissie, Dagnachew; Gugsa, Markneh, Yalew
Guinea:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Camara; Diakite, Sow, Conte, I. Sylla; Conde, Cisse, Toure; M. Sylla, Guirassy, Kamano
With Guinea coming off a dominant performance, they will be filled with confidence as they return to the pitch. Ethiopia, eager to restore pride, will likely put forth a strong effort. However, given Guinea’s recent firepower and performance, they are favored to continue their dominance in this fixture.
