Harambee Stars are bottom of Group D in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a 1-0 loss to Guinea in Conakry on October 1, 2026. Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy scored the only goal in the 32nd minute, leaving Kenya with one point from two matches. The result does not threaten Kenya’s place at the finals, because the country qualifies automatically as co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
By the 254.ke Newsroom.
What happened in Conakry?
Guirassy picked up the ball inside the area, dribbled past Kenyan defenders and slipped his shot past goalkeeper Bryne Omondi at the Stade du 28 Septembre, according to Flashscore. Citizen Digital described the goal as the product of a defensive lapse, with Kenya struggling to clear their lines before the break.
Kenya created chances through Ryan Ogam and Micah Obiero but could not convert, and coach Benni McCarthy made tactical changes in the second half without changing the scoreline. Guinea’s win was their first of the campaign; they had lost 2-1 to South Africa in their opening game.
Where do Kenya stand in Group D?
Kenya drew 1-1 with Eritrea earlier in the campaign and have now lost away to Guinea, which leaves them on one point at the foot of the table. Capital FM lists South Africa as leaders, with Guinea second and Eritrea third on one point. Reports differ on Guinea’s exact points tally, so 254.ke is not quoting a figure for them.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Guinea 1-0 Kenya, October 1, 2026 |
| Scorer | Serhou Guirassy, 32nd minute |
| Venue | Stade du 28 Septembre, Conakry |
| Kenya’s record | One draw, one defeat, one point |
| Next match | Away to South Africa, November 11 (per Capital FM) |
Does Kenya still qualify for AFCON 2027?
Yes. Under CAF rules, only the highest-placed team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will go through from Group D alongside Kenya as host nation. The qualifiers therefore work as competitive preparation for McCarthy’s squad, which has not advanced beyond the group stage in any of its six previous Africa Cup of Nations appearances, as The Kenya Times noted on September 27.
What is next for Harambee Stars?
The next two qualifying matchdays fall in the November 9-17 window, followed by the final two between March 22 and 30, 2027. Capital FM reports the next fixture as an away game against South Africa on November 11. McCarthy faces scrutiny over defensive errors and an attack that has lacked fluidity, Citizen Digital reported.
Earlier 254.ke coverage: Guinea vs Kenya AFCON qualifier: time, venue and Group D table and Harambee Stars boycott training ahead of Eritrea clash. Official fixtures are published by the Confederation of African Football.
FAQ
Who scored in Guinea vs Kenya?
Serhou Guirassy scored the only goal in the 32nd minute.
Has Kenya qualified for AFCON 2027?
Yes, automatically as co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
When does Kenya play next in the qualifiers?
The next matchday window is November 9-17, 2026. Capital FM reports an away game against South Africa on November 11.
How many points does Kenya have in Group D?
One point from two matches, after a 1-1 draw with Eritrea and the 1-0 loss to Guinea, as of October 5, 2026.
Sources: Citizen Digital, Flashscore, Capital FM, The Kenya Times.
