Guinea vs Gambia: Kickoff time, venue, team news, prediction - AFCON 2021 R16 Preview

This West African derby sees Guinea take on debutants Gambia on day two of the knockout stages in the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2021, later today, Monday.

The first Africa Cup of Nations between Guinea and Gambia is set to be as promising and exciting as the first two matches at this stage yesterday.

Guinea is eyeing their first win at this stage of the competition after making the last 16 for the third successive edition.

The Syli Nationale picked up four points from nine to progress but will be looking to avoid the mistakes that saw Zimbabwe shock them in their final group game the last time.

For the Gambia, it's already a historic competition for the in what is their first-ever participation in the AFCON.

Seven points from nine saw the debutants finish second and progress to the last 16 in a group that included giants Senegal and Mali.

However. the Tom Saintfiet-led side will fancy their chances against the Syli and will approach the match fearlessly according to the Belgian coach.

Gambia goes into this tie as the team with the better form after two wins and a draw so far in the AFCON 2021.

On the other hand, the Guineans have one win, one draw and a loss in their three games and will be hoping to avoid a second consecutive defeat.

In the competition proper, the game today represents the first-ever meeting between the two in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The game is slated for today, January 24, 2022, and will kick off at 5 pm Nigerian time at the Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam.

Both teams seem to have a healthy squad with almost everyone fit for the game. But Guinea will be without their inspirational midfielder, Naby Keita. The Liverpool star will miss the encounter due to the accumulation of cards.

Guinea XI: Keita; Kane, M Camara, Sow, Conte; Moriba, Kane, Cisse, A Camara; Bayo, Kante

Gambia XI: Gaye; Modou, Colley, Gomez, Jagne; Sohna, Bobb, Marreh; Jallow, Barrow, Ceesay

While my predictions haven't been what they need to be so far, I will fancy the Gambia for this one.

Ablie Jallow has been superb so far and in the absence of Keita, I see Guinea struggling to cope with the midfield battle.

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