Preview: Zimbabwe vs. Guinea - prediction, team news, lineups

Within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations, Guinea square off against Zimbabwe at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe still await their first point of the tournament and will need a victory in this one to stand any chance of going through.

Match preview

Guinea played out a share of the spoils in their meeting against Senegal on Friday which ended 0-0 at the Kouekong Stadium.

Kaba Diawara's men were on the back foot for the majority of the contest but held firm to secure an impressive point in Bafoussam.

The National Elephants remain joint-top in Group B alongside their most recent opponents heading into the final round of matches.

Next up for them is a crunch clash versus an opposing side who they have beaten only once in the eight previous meetings between the teams.

Having recorded clean sheets in each of their last three outings, Guinea will aim to maintain their solidity at the back and use it as a platform for a positive result in this one.

Zimbabwe suffered a second straight group-stage defeat as they were beaten 2-1 by the Flames of Malawi on Friday.

Norman Mapeza's men took the lead seven minutes shy of half time through Ishmael Wadi, but a brace from Gabadinho Mhango turned the game on its head.

The Warriors are rooted to the bottom of the group and are staring down the possibility of a third first-round exit on the bounce.

Currently on a run of 14 games without a victory, the Southern Africans head into Tuesday's clash with their backs against the wall as they set out to salvage their AFCON campaign.

Team News

Ilaix Moriba was handed a rare start versus Senegal, but the RB Leipzig midfielder was substituted midway through the second half following a quiet performance.

Following their dogged display in the aforementioned game, we expect Diawara to stick with the same defensive unit that is yet to be breached so far.

Ishmael Wadi opened his account for Zimbabwe with his strike last time out but the 29-year-old is a doubt for Tuesday's game after he came off with an injury in the final knockings against Malawi.

Prince Dube could replace Tino Kadewere up front as Mapeza seeks to reignite what has been a dysfunctional attack of late.

Zimbabwe possible starting lineup:
Mhari; Bhasera, Hadebe, Takwara, Chimwemwe; Madzongwe, Benyu, Musona; Kangwa, Dube, Mahachi

Guinea possible starting lineup:
Keita; Sylla, Conte, Camara, Sow, Cisse; Keita, Diawara, Conte; Bayo, Guilavogui

We say: Zimbabwe 0-1 Guinea

Zimbabwe will be under a lot of pressure as they know that anything less than a victory spells the end of their journey in Cameroon. Nonetheless, we fancy Guinea to narrowly edge this one in what should be a cagey affair.

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