SFG Guide to AFCON 2015 | Page 75

showed this in qualifying, scoring five goals, and have young Lyon forward Mohamed Yattara to come in should one need replacing.

Weaknesses

Lack of experience - A fairly low average age and not many to have been to previous tournaments, the defence particularly lacks that “been there, done that” attitude. Only managing to keep one clean sheet in qualifying, you do fear the likes of Ivory Coast could take them apart if they have a bad day.

Key Player

Ibrahima Traore - A dazzling player on his day, the Borussia Monchengladbach player has been impressing domestically since his summer move there, and his fast, tricky dribbling style fits perfectly into this Guinean setup. Captaining the side, he will be at the head of any success they have, acting as both a goal threat and a provider for his teammates. Watch out for Traore leading the charge of the Guinean counter attack.

The Hipster Choice

Seydouba Soumah - Practically unheard-of prior to this round of qualifying, six goals in his first eight games for his country has seen him rocket to the top of the list of “players to watch” in Equatorial Guinea. Playing for Slovan Bratislava, his diminutive but powerful running ability has made him Guinea’s main goal threat., and could do some unexpected damage if teams choose to not do their homework on Soumah.

The Coach

Michel Dussuyer - Now on his third

stint at Guinea manager since first taking the job in 2002, this will be his third crack at the Cup of Nations with Guinea, after managing a quarter-final appearance with them in 2004, and fourth overall if you include his spell at Benin manager in 2010. Well-admired

by his players and proving he is a strong leader in difficult circumstances during qualification, he knows his Guinean players better than anyone.

SFG Predicts

Group stage exit - In the second toughest group at the tournament, a Zambia-esque miracle is looking unlikely, despite the Ebola motivations of the players. Up against some of the best sides in the continent and tournament veterans, Guinea may sadly be going back early.

By Sam Crocker (@sam_crock)