Red-hot Guinea debutant Traore dents Mozambique's hopes

Guinea secured a 2-1 victory over Mozambique in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification (Group G) match played at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo on Thursday evening.

The result saw Syli National remain fourth in the Group G standings, but they are now a point behind third-placed Mozambique. Guinea, who have been eliminated, will wrap up their qualifying campaign with a home match against Botswana on October 14.

Os Mambas, on the other hand, saw their hopes of finishing second in Group G take a knock as they are three points behind second-placed Uganda with one game left. Mozambique's hopes of advancing to the playoffs as one of the four best runners-up are slim as they prepare to take on Somalia away on October 14.

Syli National got off to the perfect start as they broke the deadlock as early as the 10th minute. Abdoul Karim Traore scored on his debut to hand Guinea the lead in the second minute, with Ousmane Camara providing the assist.

However, Os Mamas hit back through Reinildo Mandava, who grabbed his fifth goal for Mozambique in the 19th minute after being set up by Geny Catamo. The score was 1-1 during the halftime break following a lively first half in Maputo.

The visitors continued to launch attacks after the restart, and they managed to restore their lead. Oud-Heverlee Leuven forward A. K. Traore was enjoying a dream debut as the teenager grabbed his brace in the 59th minute to make it 2-1 to Guinea.

Mozambique coach Conde Chiquinho reacted by introducing Stanley Ratifo and Manuel Kambala in the 62nd minute. However, Syli National stood firm at the back in the latter stages of the match and they emerged as 2-1 winners.

Mozambique (1) 1 (Mandava 19')

Guinea (1) 2 (A. K. Traore 2', 59')

Mozambique: Ernan, Amade, Bangal (Cantolo 70'), Catamo, Calila ( Nanani 70'), Langa, Mandava, Mexer, Nene (Gildo 85'), Pepo (Ratifo 62'), Witi (Kambala 62')

Guinea: S. Sylla, D. Sylla, M. Soumah, Conte, S. O. Sylla (Janneh 46'), M. Konate, Cisse (I. Camara 79'), Toure, Balde (Diaby 68'), A. K. Traore (M. Sylla 90'+1), Ous. Camara (O. Camara 46').