Somalia vs Guinea Prediction & Betting Tips (5 September)

Somalia and Guinea are set to clash in Kampala for their Group G fixture in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a meeting between two sides desperate to salvage pride from a faltering campaign. Somalia, rooted to the bottom of the group with just one point from six matches, have endured a torrid run, scoring only three goals and conceding eleven. Head coach Yusuf Ali Nur, appointed earlier this year, has struggled to reverse the Ocean Stars’ fortunes, though the return of midfielder Abdi Sharif and the inclusion of young talents like Faisal Osman and Ayub Abdulkadir offer a glimmer of hope. Somalia’s last encounter with Guinea ended in a goalless draw, and they’ll be eager to go one better this time.

Guinea, meanwhile, are navigating their own transitional phase. After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Syli National parted ways with Michel Dussuyer and welcomed Paulo Duarte as head coach. Duarte’s first competitive match comes against Somalia, and he’ll be banking on the firepower of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, supported by seasoned campaigners like Mouctar Diakhaby and Abdoulaye Toure. The squad also features promising newcomers such as Aboubacar Bachir Bangoura and Genk’s Ibrahima Sory Bangoura. Notably, Naby Keita remains absent, having declined a recall, while Mohamed Bayo and Ilaix Moriba were also left out of the squad.

Despite their struggles, Guinea have shown flashes of brilliance, most notably their 2-1 upset over group leaders Algeria last year. However, inconsistency has plagued them, with recent defeats to Mozambique and Uganda highlighting their vulnerability. Somalia, though statistically weaker, may find an opening against a Guinea side still adjusting to Duarte’s tactical blueprint. The Ocean Stars’ defensive frailties remain a concern, but their resilience in the previous draw against Guinea and the injection of fresh energy could make this a more competitive affair than the standings suggest.

In a match where both teams are seeking redemption, expect a tightly contested battle with moments of individual brilliance tipping the scales. Guinea’s superior experience and attacking depth should give them the edge, but Somalia’s hunger for a breakthrough win could see them find the net. A 2-1 scoreline in favor of Guinea feels plausible—Guirassy to lead the charge, but Somalia to strike back with a spirited response before falling just short. This fixture may not decide the group, but it could mark a turning point for both nations in their long-term footballing ambitions.