It is a top-of-the-table clash in Group D, as Zambia square off against Guinea at the Stade Omnisports de Limbe on Saturday evening.
Zambia and Guinea are separated only by goal difference, after securing victories against Tanzania and Namibia in the opening games, respectively.
Match preview
After a second-placed finish at the just-concluded friendly tournament, Zambia opened their African Nations Championship campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Tanzania.
Captain Collins Sikombe converted from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute, before Nkwazi forward Emmanuel Chabula completed the scoring with nine minutes remaining, to cap a solid all-round performance by the Chipolopolo.
Zambia are led by former Orlando Pirates and Zamalek head coach Milutin Sredojevic, popularly known as Micho, who was appointed by the Football Association of Zambia in 2018.
Guinea, on the other hand, are making their third participation in the African Nations, after a fourth-placed finish in 2016, and the disappointing group stage exit of 2018.
Kanfory Mohamed Bangoura was recalled by the Guinea Football Association to lead the Syli Nationale, after he was dismissed in 2018 due to a poor run of results.
The 59-year-old watched on as his side opened their CHAN 2020 campaign in fine fashion, thrashing the Brave Warriors of Namibia 3-0 on Tuesday evening to go top of Group D on goal difference.
Yakhouba Gnagna Barry was the star performer for the West Africans, scoring either side of half time, before being substituted in the 87th minute.
Guinea take on second-placed Zambia in a crucial showdown where either side can seal their place in the quarter-finals with a win.
In the previous meeting, nothing could separate both nations, as it finished 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes, however, Guinea eventually edged out their Southern African rivals on penalties.
Zambia African Nations Championship form: W
Zambia form (all competitions): WLDLWW
Guinea African Nations Championship form: W
Guinea form (all competitions): LWWDLW
Team News
Zambia have a clean bill of health going into this fixture and head coach Milutin Sredojevic has a full strength squad to select from.
The Serbian is likely to field a similar side that defeated Tanzania last time out, meaning Lusaka Dynamos striker Emmanuel Chabula will lead the attack once again.
On the other hand, Guinea boss Kanfory Mohamed Bangoura will still rely on Yakhouba Gnagna Barry for goals on Saturday, following his standout performance versus Namibia.
Ismael Camara will push for a place in the starting XI, after an impressive 30-minute cameo last time out, where he grabbed an assist.
Zambia possible starting lineup:
Chibwe; Chilongoshi, Banda, Mwape, Chepeshi; Mafwenta, Kapumbu; Katema, Sikombe, Kampamba; Chabula
Guinea possible starting lineup:
Camara; Camara, Doumbouya, Traore, Bangoura; Camara, Sylla, Kante, Coumbassa; Bangoura, Barry
We say: Zambia 1-2 Guinea
This will be a close contest, as both teams will be looking to maintain their winning starts to the tournament. The Syli Nationale should, however, prevail at the end of 90 minutes thanks to the difference in quality of both squads.
