Harambee Stars’ preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations suffered another blow on Thursday night as Kenya went down 1-0 to Guinea in Conakry, leaving Benni McCarthy’s side with just one point from their opening two Group D matches.

Serhou Guirassy scored the decisive goal in the 37th minute, reacting quickest after Kenya failed to deal with a loose ball inside the penalty area before firing past Bryne Omondi.

The defeat followed Kenya’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Eritrea in their opening qualifier, extending a difficult start to a campaign in which the Stars are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

While Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania do not need to qualify for the tournament, their participation in the qualification campaign provides competitive matches as they build towards the finals on home soil. For Kenya, however, the opening two outings have exposed areas McCarthy will need to address.

The Syli National began the contest with greater urgency and threatened early through Yadaly Diaby and Seydouba Cisse, while Abdulkarim Traore later rattled the post.

Kenya gradually found their footing, with Duke Abuya creating an opening for Ben-Stanley Omondi, whose effort was blocked. Mohamed Bajaber also came close after being released by Job Ochieng, but his low effort drifted narrowly wide.

Guirassy then punished Kenya’s defensive lapse shortly before half-time.

McCarthy’s charges returned from the break with increased purpose and spent long periods searching for an equaliser. Job Ochieng went close after being set up by Ben-Stanley Omondi, while Abuya tested the Guinea defence from distance.

Guinea, however, remained dangerous on the counter and nearly doubled their advantage through Traore, with Omondi producing an important save to keep Kenya within reach.

Ryan Ogam had another late opportunity after connecting with Frank Odhiambo’s long delivery, but his effort sailed over as Guinea held on for maximum points.

The result leaves South Africa top of Group D with six points, followed by Guinea on three. Kenya sit third with one point, ahead of Eritrea on goal difference.

The Stars’ preparations for the qualifiers had already been affected by a players’ boycott over delayed allowances, with Kenya having managed only one training session before facing Eritrea.

The focus now shifts away from the qualifiers, with Kenya scheduled to face Rwanda in a friendly in Kigali on Monday. The Stars will then resume Group D action against leaders South Africa as McCarthy continues shaping a side that will have a guaranteed place at the 2027 continental showpiece.